Rare Wedgwood & Bentley Cane Ware Apotheosis of Homer Plaque John Flaxman c.1779

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Rare Wedgwood & Bentley Cane Ware Apotheosis of Homer Plaque John Flaxman c.1779:
$5499.99

Rare large antique Wedgwood & Bentley caneware (cane ware) framed rectangular plaque with profound "Apotheosis of Homer" bas-relief, modeled by John Flaxman, Jr. (English sculptor and designer, 1755-1826; worked for Wedgwood since 1775) in 1778.
The plaque depicts the Apotheosis of Homer, an ancient Greek and Roman ceremony in which the legendary poet becomes a god. Flaxman's work was based on an illustration from "Collection of Etruscan, Greek, and Roman Antiquities from the Cabinet of the Hon. William Hamilton" by Pierre-François (Hugues) d'Hancarville (Florence, 1776; Vol. III, Plate 31). "Apotheosis of Homer" (a/k/a, A Victorious Kitharist and The Crowing of a Kitharist) is considered to be the most important bas-relief created by Flaxman for Wedgwood.
"Apotheosis of Homer" was first created as a relief for black basalt and solid blue jasperware plaques in 1778, as noted by Josiah Wedgwood in his letter to Thomas Bentley. It was subsequently (c.1786) used as the main ornament for the Wedgwood’s first and most known Pegasus vase.
The plaque we are offering for your consideration is made of caneware, the Staffordshire light buff-colored dry-body stoneware. Wedgwood started producing it in 1770, with the first experimental pieces made in 1771. The Caneware formula was improved in 1783, and its commercial production (as bamboo- or cane-colored porcelain) began in 1787. Only a few caneware pieces were made during the Wedgwood & Bentley era, primarily teapots and planters. However, there were also some experimental items in caneware made, such as the "The Triumph of Bacchus" plaque, Voltaire and Rousseaufigurines, and several portrait medallions, e.g., William Shakespeare and Samuel More. Most likely, "Apotheosis of Homer" was one of those from 1779-80.
Aside from a barely noticeable chip in the upper right corner, the plaque is in excellent antique condition, whereas the frame shows some wear. Please review the posted pics for more details. Questions are encouraged and welcome.
Dimensions: frame: 17 7/8" x 11" x 1 3/4", sight area: 14 1/4" x 7 3/8"; tile: 14 3/4" x 7 3/4".
Marks: Wedgwood & Bentley; c.1779.
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