Attributed to John Flaxman

ATTRIBUTED TO JOHN FLAXMAN (York, UK, 1755-London, 1826).
"Isaac Newton," c. 1800.
Polychrome wax.
Presents inscriptions and labels on the back.
Measurements: 8.5 x 6 cm; 14.5 x 12 x 13 cm (frame).

Relief made in wax that we can relate to that of the Victoria & Albert (A.106-1965), of the same subject, without polychrome. On the reverse, the label seems to identify, erroneously, the portrayed with the philosopher John Locke.

During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, bas-relief portraits in wax acquired a remarkable popularity in Great Britain, being frequently exhibited in institutions such as the Royal Academy, the Society of Artists and other similar spaces.

These works in wax fulfilled functions analogous to those of engravings or medals, serving to disseminate the image of the sitter, or as portable souvenirs, like painted miniatures or cut-out silhouettes.

The technical process for the elaboration of a wax portrait began with the creation of a model in plasticine or soft wax, worked with ivory or wooden tools in a very similar way to clay modeling. Next, a plaster mold was made into which molten wax was poured. Once the relief was solidified, it was finished by hand by the artist, adding detail and definition to the figure represented.