Extremely Rare Wedgwood Small Jasper Cameo Portrait of Maria I, Queen of Portugal – Circa 1782 – Museum Quality
A historically significant and rare small jasper medallion depicting Dona Maria I of Portugal, also known as Maria the Pious and Maria the Mad, Queen of Portugal from 1777 to 1816. This exquisite jasper portrait is based on designs by the Portuguese sculptor Joao Figueireido, with provenance linked to dated examples in the Victoria and Albert Museum’s Schreiber Collection.
Historical Background:
Dona Maria I (1734–1816) was the first undisputed queen regnant of Portugal and the first monarch of Brazil. Daughter of King Dom José I and Queen Mariana Victoria, she married her uncle Infante Pedro and had six children, three surviving to adulthood. Her reign began in 1777, alongside her husband Dom Pedro III as nominal king.
Details:
Material: White jasper with light green/grey wash and white relief
Design: Small jasper medallion cameo portrait after Joao Figueireido’s designs
Size: Approx. 7/8 inches (2.2 cm) height x 6/8 inches (1.9 cm) width
Markings: “LISBOA ARCENAL REAL DO EXERCITO IOAO DE FIGUIEREIDO FECIT 1782” on back
Condition: Excellent for age with typical signs of use, well undercut as is typical for 18th-century medallions
Date: Circa 1782
Additional Information:
Portrait closely resembles the 1786 engraving of Maria I
Near-identical to a 1787 portrait modelled by John Flaxman for Wedgwood
Associated with a rock crystal ring adorned with the cameo (as shown in photos)
Included in Dalton’s 1912 Catalogue of Finger Rings
Bequeathed by Sir Augustus Wollaston Franks in 1897
Rarity & Notes:
This is a real and seldom-seen museum-quality piece, ideal for serious collectors of early Wedgwood jasper portraits and historical royal memorabilia. The medallion’s provenance and connection to prestigious collections highlight its exceptional importance and rarity.
