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Chessmen (32)

Manufacturer Wedgwood and Co.
Designer John Flaxman British
early 19th century
Not on view
The designs after which the set was modeled were made by John Flaxman for Josiah Wedgwood. The kings represent Charles Kemble as Macbeth, the queen Mrs. Siddons as Lady Macbeth and the tragic Muse. Among the pawns are three figures of jesters, made to replace bishops in sets to be sold in France. All four knights are the same but for the color.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Chessmen (32)
  • Manufacturer: Wedgwood and Co.
  • Designer: John Flaxman (British, York 1755–1826 London)
  • Date: early 19th century
  • Culture: British, Etruria, Staffordshire
  • Medium: Blue and white jasper
  • Dimensions: Height (each king): 4 in. (10.2 cm);
    Height (each pawn): 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm)
  • Classification: Chess Sets
  • Credit Line: Gift of Gustavus A. Pfeiffer, 1948
  • Object Number: 48.174.130a–p, aa–pp
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

More Artwork

More Artwork
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Chessmen (32), John Flaxman British, Jasperware, British, Staffordshire
Chessmen (32)
John Flaxman
early 19th century
Cup and saucer (part of a set), Wedgwood and Co., Basalt ware, British, Etruria, Staffordshire
Cup and saucer (part of a set)
Wedgwood and Co.
late 18th century
Teapot with cover (part of a set), Wedgwood and Co., Basalt ware, British, Etruria, Staffordshire
Teapot with cover (part of a set)
Wedgwood and Co.
late 18th century
Intaglio, Wedgwood and Co., Black basalt, British, Staffordshire
On loan to The Met
Intaglio
Wedgwood and Co.
1769–80
Cup and saucer (part of a set), Wedgwood and Co., Basalt ware, British, Etruria, Staffordshire
Cup and saucer (part of a set)
Wedgwood and Co.
late 18th century

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