This relief carving may at first look like a cameo, but it is actually a model in wax! This finely carved medallion depicts Jupiter in profile, and it was executed by the British sculptor Richard Cockle Lucas (1800 – 1883) as a model for an ivory carving of the same dimensions, currently held in the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.

Lucas was fascinated by classical antiquity and frequently drew inspiration from ancient coins and architecture. He was also interested in the debate on whether ancient sculptures were colorful or pure white, and he experimented with colors in his works, which is why Lucas’ ivories and wax models often show traces of blue and gold pigments.

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Richard Cockle Lucas (Salisbury, 1800 – Chilworth, 1883)

Wax portrait relief model for ivory carving of Jupiter, 1847

15 x 11 cm | 27,2 x 22,2 cm (framed)