WEDGWOOD 34-PIECE LILAC AND DEEP-BLUE DIP JASPERWARE CHESS SET

WEDGWOOD 34-PIECE LILAC AND DEEP-BLUE DIP JASPERWARE CHESS SET circa 1795, impressed uppercase marks, most with incised numerals and title, designed by John Flaxman, each piece modeled as a Medieval court figure or tower on either a lilac or deep-blue stepped circular base, a bishop alternating with a jester on each team, h: 2 1/2 to 4 in., accompanied by a notebook of ownership and comparables (34)

Provenance: Major James D. Holmes, prior to 1929.
Mr. Hugh Mullen, Esq., New York, NY 1929-1954.
Skinner, Boston, 3 April 1993, lot 153.
Jeffrey Milkins Collection, no. 256.

Catalogue Note:
It is interesting to note that the figure of the Medieval Queen in the present set relates closely with a Wedgwood model of Lady Macbeth. When closely studied it appears to depict the Shakespearean actress Sarah Siddons (1755-1831). On further inspection the king appears to resemble, her brother and fellow Drury Lane actor, John Philip Kemble (1757-1823). In fact, it has been suggested that all the pieces in the set take their forms based on Flaxman's conception of the Medieval characters in the Shakespearean plays of his day.

For a similar 32-piece set, see The Daughters of the American Revolution Museum, Washington D.C., exhibition catalogue, 'Wedgwood 250 Years of Innovation and Artistry', 2009, p. 43, no. 2.30. Also reference The City Museum & Art Gallery set illustrated, Robin Reilly, 'Wedgwood', Vol. I, color pl. C173.