Pair Portrait Medallions by James Tassie 18th Century Made 1783 and 1787

$960.00

Something rare and exquisite!
This beautiful pair of glass medallions were made by the Scottish gem engraver and modeler James Tassie.
The portraits are symmetrical, with a simplicity of line, form, and color in the neoclassical style of the late 18th century.
They feature images of G O Dempster Esquire MP for Perth, dated 1787 and signed in the lower right by Tassie, and DS Buchanie Comes, courtier to George III of England, dated 1783 and signed in the lower left by Tassie. The medallions were modeled from life in wax and cast in white enamel-glass paste.
Dimensions: 6″ wide x 6.75″ tall x 1″ deep
Condition: There is very slight abrasion to the edges of the wood frames.               Scroll down to see background information on James Tassie

Out of stock

Background of James Tassie

James Tassie (born 1735, died 1799) was a Scottish gem engraver and modeler.
His best known original works were portrait medallions (round or oval tablets bearing figures) of well-known people.
He invented a new medium, vitreous glass paste. His portrait medallions were modeled in wax and then cast in this white fine-textured glass paste. Tassie’s portrait medallions included many eminent contemporaries among their subjects. They were sought by collectors all over the world. Catherine the Great was one of his most important patrons.

Born in Scotland and trained as a stonemason, in 1763, Tassie moved to Dublin, where he worked as a laboratory assistant to a Dr. Quin. Together they devised the white enamel/glass composition. In 1766, Tassie moved to London.

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