Rare 18th Century Wax Profile Portrait of John Paul Jones - Revolutionary War Naval Hero

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Description

Exceptional Hand-Painted Polychrome Wax Portrait of America's First Naval Hero
A magnificent late 18th-century wax profile portrait of Captain John … Read more Exceptional Hand-Painted Polychrome Wax Portrait of America's First Naval Hero
A magnificent late 18th-century wax profile portrait of Captain John Paul Jones, the legendary Scottish-American naval commander whose cry "I have not yet begun to fight!" became one of the most famous battle declarations in American history. This exquisite miniature represents the finest tradition of aristocratic wax portraiture from the Revolutionary era.
The Naval Legend:
John Paul Jones (1747-1792) was America's first great naval hero, commanding victories against the British Royal Navy that seemed impossible for the fledgling American fleet. His daring exploits and charismatic leadership made him a celebrated figure on both sides of the Atlantic, inspiring portraits like this one that commemorated his legendary status.
Aristocratic Artistry:
This portrait exemplifies the sophisticated craft of 18th-century wax portraiture, where master artists achieved extraordinary realism through hand-painted polychrome techniques. The medium's unique translucency allowed for subtle flesh modeling and fine details that captured not just likeness but character - essential for commemorating such an iconic figure.
Technical Mastery:
Created using traditional wax portraiture methods - either cast from a mould and detailed with colored waxes, or directly modeled with pigmented wax putty. The artist's skill is evident in the lifelike rendering achieved through this demanding medium that permitted corrections and refinements until the perfect likeness was achieved.
Historical Context:
Wax portraits were luxury items reserved for the aristocracy and wealthy merchant class. As intimate gifts meant for private viewing, they established personal connections with their subjects. Jones portraits were particularly prized, as his fame extended from American drawing rooms to European courts where he was celebrated as both naval genius and romantic figure.
Distinguished Provenance:
Part of a documented trio of Revolutionary War hero portraits from a distinguished country house collection, each piece carrying the provenance that serious collectors value. The survival of wax portraits from this period is exceptionally rare due to the medium's fragile nature.
Details:

Late 18th century American
Hand-painted polychrome wax profile portrait
Subject: Captain John Paul Jones
Black enamel shadowbox frame with protective glass
Measures 6.5" × 5" × 1"
Materials: Wax, oil paint, wood, glass, enamel
Very good antique condition with delightful age patina
Minor frame wear appropriate to age

Condition: Very good antique condition with charming age patina present, some minor wear to frame consistent with period.
This museum-quality piece would be the centerpiece of any collection of Revolutionary War memorabilia, naval history, or 18th-century portrait art. Part of an available trio - inquire about companion Washington and Lafayette portraits.
A rare opportunity to own an authenticated period portrait of America's most celebrated naval hero in the aristocratic medium of hand-painted wax. See less