Wedgwood Black Basalt Statue of Oliver Cromwell

Wedgwood’s enigmatic black basalt porcelain was used to create this fine statue of Oliver Cromwell. Here, England’s Lord Protector from 1653-1658, in humble 17th-century military dress, puts his best foot forward in a striking pose, his sword resting on a globe. Black basalt refers to the fine-grained stoneware developed by Josiah Wedgwood in the 1760s inspired by the hard, natural stone known as Egyptian basalt. Today, the wares crafted of this beautiful pottery are highly desirable and sought by collectors.

Impressed mark “WEDGWOOD, B” on underside.

Circa 1860

6 1/2” high