216 Josiah Wedgwood CHAP. 



three tablets, i.e. two of Hercules and his companions 

 in the Hesperian Gardens, and Coriolanus's mother 

 persuading him to return to Rome. The figures in 

 the print are 4f th inches high, and I have modelled my 

 figures 5|th inches, which allows one-seventh for 

 shrinking in the bisque*. I should be greatly obliged 

 to you for information if you would like to have the 

 other tablets modelled in the same proportion. With 

 respects to Mrs. Wedgwood and family, I have the 

 honour to be, etc. J. FLAXMAN, jun." 



Besides these works, Flaxman designed a bas-relief 

 of the Birth of Achilles, and a matchless bronze vase, 

 called by Wedgwood a " Bronze Encaustic," in imita- 

 tion of real bronze ; both of which were greatly ad- 

 mired. The next letter relates to his other works. 

 Flaxman also furnished (12th December) a Bas-relief 

 in wax of Venturia and Volumnia entreating Corio- 

 lanus. 



" Wardour Street, 13th December 1785. Sir I am 

 concerned that I could not send this Bas-relief sooner, 

 upon which I have been chiefly obliged to work at 

 night ; and now and then I have taken a day for some 

 large monuments I have in hand, which are in great 

 haste. I hope, however, on comparing this model with 

 that of Homer and Hesiod, you will find it very supe- 

 rior. I shall take great pleasure in modelling Hercules 

 in the Hesperian Gardens ; and I think I can make it 

 equal to Sir William Hamilton's Vase. If you are willing, 

 I should do my utmost, but then I cannot set an exact 



