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18th-Century Derby Porcelain Figure Emblematic of Africa

$7,000
£5,314.27
€6,126.48
CA$9,902.47
A$10,660.91
CHF 5,709.12
MX$128,460.12
NOK 72,033.30
SEK 65,922.11
DKK 45,779.54

About the Item

Grand Tour Allegory: A Derby Porcelain Figure of "Africa," Circa 1765-1770 An impressive and finely modeled Derby Porcelain Figure of Africa, dating from the factory's celebrated early period, circa 1765-1770. This piece is part of the esteemed series known as the "Four Quarters of the Globe" (or Four Continents), a popular allegorical theme in 18th-century decorative arts derived from classical and baroque prototypes. The Figure The allegory of Africa is powerfully represented by a beautifully modeled black youth, symbolizing the exotic and rich nature of the continent. Headdress and Attire: The figure wears a distinctive elephant headdress and is draped in a scantily-worn cloak of pink lined with turquoise, detailed with gilt flowers and suspended from his right shoulder by a strap. Attributes: He holds a cornucopia (horn of plenty) filled with flowers in one hand, symbolizing Africa's natural abundance, and originally a scorpion in the other (a tiny leg of which is now missing, but not apparent). Base: He stands dramatically over a crouching wild lion, which represents the continent's untamed nature. The circular base is richly decorated with applied porcelain flowers and foliage. Construction: The flat underside of the base shows the characteristic patch marks from the firing process. Dimensions: 9 1/2 high x 4 1/2 inches diameter (24.13 cm high x 11.43 cm diameter). Provenance and Condition Provenance: This figure has a distinguished history, having been part of The Collection of Pierre Durand and later offered by The Chinese Porcelain Company. Condition: Good antique condition. Very minor frits (small chips) are present to the edges of a few applied flowers on the back of the base, and a small, non-obtrusive loss to one leg of the scorpion. Historical Context and Scholarly References 1. The "Four Quarters" Series The popularity of the "Four Quarters of the Globe" series was established in Europe by the mid-18th century. This particular porcelain version was initially modeled for the Chelsea porcelain factory by the acclaimed Flemish sculptor Joseph Willems (c. 1715-1766) around 1758–1760. Derby later acquired and adapted or copied the successful Chelsea models, producing this larger, beautifully painted version. 2. Scholarly Documentation This figure is well-documented in key texts on English porcelain: Arthur Lane, English Porcelain Figures of the 18th Century (1961): Plates 22B and 23B illustrate the related prototype table-size models produced at Chelsea. Peter Bradshaw, Derby Porcelain Figures 1750-1848 (1990): Plates 249 and 298 illustrate the related Derby models derived from the Chelsea prototypes. Dennis G. Rice, Derby Porcelain: The Golden Years 1750-1770 (1983): Features a smaller version of the figure on Page 130, #86. 3. Museum Comparisons Similar examples of the "Africa" figure from this series are held in important public collections: The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge: A similar model is part of their set of Continents. Winterthur Museum, Delaware: Holds an example of the series. Birmingham Museum of Art, Alabama: Holds a similar piece (Collection 2000.177.1). Derby Porcelain Society: Similar examples are featured in their online exhibitions under The Nottingham Road section. (Ref: NY10167-ipuu)
  • Creator:
    Derby (Manufacturer)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 9.5 in (24.13 cm)Diameter: 4.5 in (11.43 cm)
  • Style:
    Georgian (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1765
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Good with minor frits to a couple of the applied flowers on the base at the back. A leg of the scorpion missing- not apparant.
  • Seller Location:
    Downingtown, PA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: NY10167-ipuu1stDibs: LU861031147622

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