Ralph Wood, Jr.
Bust of George Frideric Handel

Public Domain

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Maker Ralph Wood, Jr.English, 1748–1795

CultureEnglish

Titles

Bust of George Frideric Handel

Datec. 1782–1795

Made inBurslem, England

MediumLead-glazed earthenware (pearlware) with overglaze enamel

Dimensions9 1/4 × 6 × 2 3/4 in. (23.5 × 15.2 × 7 cm)

Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of Miss Ima Hogg

Object numberB.69.70

Current Location

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

Music Room

On view

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Department

Bayou Bend

Object Type

CERAMICS

DescriptionRalph Wood, Jr. modeled this bust of George Frideric Handel. By 1782, he established himself as a master potter in Burslem in the heart of the Staffordshire potteries and potted independently until his death in 1795. He made both enamel-painted and color-glazed figures. Many of his figures stand on distinctive square bases and are usually impressed with his maker’s mark. The pottery made a broad range of busts, including Geoffrey Chaucer, John Milton, Isaac Newton, Alexander Pope, and George Washington (B.2013.26).
ProvenanceProbably [D.M. &. P. Manheim, New York]; purchased by Miss Ima Hogg, 1970; given to MFAH, 1970.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks

Marked on bottom: Ra. Wood / Burslem / Burslem
Marked on back: HANDEL

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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