Three Fine Ivory Portrait Reliefs Mounted on Bristol Blue Glass by G.Stephany and J.Dresch in Original Black Lacquered Frames. Circa 1795-1800. Photo courtesy Finch & Co

a&b: apparently of the same sitter, possibly the 1st Lord of the Admiralty George John Spencer 2nd Earl Spencer circa 1800, a; with an old ink inscription to the reverse ‘Stephany and Dresch sculptors in ivory No. (?) Harrington Place, Bath’ and in another hand ‘This belongs to the Countess of Ely’ 
c: is probably a profile relief portrait of William Wordsworth, Poet Laureate 1770-1850 

Sizes: a: 14cm high, 12.5cm wide – 5½ ins high, 5 ins wide - b: 14cm high, 12.5cm wide – 5½ ins high, 5 ins wide - c: 15cm high, 13cm wide – 6 ins high, 5¼ ins wide. FOR SALE  

See: Finch & Co catalogue no. 14, item no. 40 for a ivory portrait profile of the Duke of York and Albany by Stephany and Dresch 
cf: A ivory portrait of Charlotte Princess Royal by Stephany and Dresch acquired by Queen Mary and now in the Queen’s collection 

Literature: Between 1700 and 1800 the population of Britain rose from 5½ million to 9 million and this together with increased wealth in many quarters led to a greater appreciation and demand for art. Besides employing craftsmen to build houses and make furniture and to assist in choosing suitable décor, the ‘new rich’ were prepared to commission those artists whose work appealed to them to paint and sculpt portraits, landscapes, silhouettes and miniatures to be displayed and enjoyed. Stephany and Dresch working in both London and Bath in the late 18th century were very suitably placed to exploit this demand for portraiture and they also produced micro ivory carving of such fine quality no-one could ever replicate their work.

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