Thomas Bentley 1775 - 1805

Josiah Wedgwood created this portrait of Thomas Bentley using Jasperware, a type of stoneware, sometime in the late 18th century. The piece presents a profile of Bentley set against a serene, light blue background. Wedgwood’s meticulous attention to texture and form are evident in the crisp details of Bentley’s attire and hair. Notice the smooth, matte finish of the Jasperware, which enhances the classical, almost neoclassical feel of the piece. The profile, a formal element harking back to ancient coinage and cameos, gives us insight into the Enlightenment’s fascination with classical forms. The choice of a profile and the medium itself speak to broader issues of representation and commemoration, reflecting how individuals sought to be remembered and valorized during this period. Consider how Wedgwood, through his craftsmanship, not only immortalizes Bentley but also engages with prevailing aesthetic and cultural values. The artwork, in this sense, is not just a portrait but a statement on the individual within a specific historical and artistic context.