2O2 Josiak Wedgwood CHAP. 



as readily engage to furnish you with this, as any 

 pottery I make. We have only now to push it forward 

 with the world and keep our secret." Of his large and 

 very fine Medusa, he wrote to Bentley, " it is too fine 

 to sell." He had always the greatest difficulty in part- 

 ing with his beautiful bas-reliefs. 



In this Jasper ware Flaxman executed some of his 

 finest and most classical works, and helped forward the 

 enterprise of his munificent patron. Flaxman con- 

 tinued to exhibit at the Royal Academy, several 

 models in clay from the ancient Greeks and Eomans, 

 some portraits in wax, and a sketch for a monument to 

 Chatterton and to make drawings and designs from the 

 poets, from the Bible, and from the Pilgrim's Progress. 

 He led a quiet, simple life, though he was always full 

 of pleasant occupation. 



Flaxman, feeling himself sufficiently enriched by the 

 remuneration he received from Wedgwood, removed 

 from his paternal roof towards the end of 1781 ; leaving 

 there his father, the seller of plaster of Paris casts, and 

 his brother William, a frame-maker and wood-carver, 



Flaxman hired a small house and studio at 27 

 Wardour Street ; and there he brought home his young 

 wife, Ann Denham by name, whom he had long loved. 

 He was then twenty-five years of age. Some thought 

 it foolish of him to marry without any secured means, 

 but it proved to be the greatest joy and blessing of his 

 life. Ann Denham worshipped her young, cheerful, 

 and accomplished husband. This was a good begin- 



