Bust

A bust of Homer, the Greek poet, made in Wedgwood's black basalt. Busts like these were made to sit on the top of library shelves or in alcoves. Some were made leaning slightly forward so that they could be seen more easily when viewed from below. They were made in imitation of bronze busts, which were very expensive. This bust has been given a special coating to make it look more like bronze. It is very unusual for such a coating to have survived.