An oval blue jasper portrait medallion depicting Sir William Hamilton (1730-1803), Ambassador to the Court of Naples and husband of Nelson's mistress, Emma Hamilton. He was a famous collector of Greek and Roman antiquities including the famous 'Portland' vase which helped to inspire the Wedgwood style. The portrait is probably the work of Joachim Smith, this example remodelled by Smith or Hackwood. The medallion is mounted in an oval black wooden frame. The maker's name and that of the subject are inscribed on the reverse.