Unknown man, possibly George Washington

The dense grain of a hardwood allows subtle carving and a high polish. In a relief the image stands out against a background that has been cut away. The depths and angles at which the wood is carved determine the play of light and shadow in the relief. This present relief is very similar to a Wedgwood medallion showing George Washington as first president of the United States.

Leader (active 1790-1800) is described as a wax modeller, resident at New Brentford, exhibited two wax models at the Royal Academy in 1797. This sculptor may also have been related to a G. Leader of 188, Oxford Street, also a wax modeller, who exhibited at the Royal Academy between 1792 and 1804.