Portrait of Adam Smith
Date
1787
Sitter
Adam Smith (1723 - 1790, British) , Philosopher
Creator
Object type
Archive reference number
Material
Technique
Dimensions
height (mount): 95mm
width (mount): 80mm
width (mount): 80mm
Subject
Content object
Description
An oval cameo portrait of Adam Smith, wearing a high collar and wig, his face in right profile.
Truncation inscription: 'ADAM SMITH IN HIS 64TH YEAR 1787'
Verso inscription: 'Tassie F. Wedgwood and England'
Adam Smith (1723-1790) Scottish moral philosopher and political economist was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1767.
Josiah Wedgwood (1730-1795) master potter was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1783. As well as a skilled potter, Wedgwood was a practical chemist, and conducted many experiments to produce bodies such as jasper and black basalt as cermaic compounds.
'Tassie F.' refers to James Tassie (1735-1799) Scottish gem engraver and modeller. Tassie made many casting models for Wedgwood to use in creating his stoneware cameos. His name on the reverse here would suggest he is responsible for designing this portrait of Smith.
Truncation inscription: 'ADAM SMITH IN HIS 64TH YEAR 1787'
Verso inscription: 'Tassie F. Wedgwood and England'
Adam Smith (1723-1790) Scottish moral philosopher and political economist was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1767.
Josiah Wedgwood (1730-1795) master potter was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1783. As well as a skilled potter, Wedgwood was a practical chemist, and conducted many experiments to produce bodies such as jasper and black basalt as cermaic compounds.
'Tassie F.' refers to James Tassie (1735-1799) Scottish gem engraver and modeller. Tassie made many casting models for Wedgwood to use in creating his stoneware cameos. His name on the reverse here would suggest he is responsible for designing this portrait of Smith.
Associated place
Credit
©The Royal Society
Image number
RS.14165