Shepherd and shepherdess figures by Derby
Object No. 2005/200/1
English porcelain factory, Derby, made this matching shepherd and shepherdess (most likely courtiers dressed as shepherds) at the end of the early 'Patch Mark' period, which went from 1756 to 1765. This is best remembered for the extensive production of figurines in pale colours (it is often referred to as the 'pale period') and the distinctive marks on figurine bases indicating the points where supports had touched the porcelain during the firing of the glaze. Derby decorated its 'patch mark' figures in the rococo fashion with ample scrolling, gilding and floral motifs. This particular pair is typical of those by Derby, featuring rich patterns and ornamented bases with gilded 'S' and 'C' scrolls. The shepherdess is depicted in the customary Derby fashion, with flowers gathered in her apron and her head tilted to reveal a blushing cheek. A dog and lamb recline at the figures' feet, contributing to the romantic, rural style that appealed to consumers.
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Summary
Object Statement
Figures (2), shepherd and shepherdess, porcelain (bone china), made by Derby Porcelain Works, England, 1757-1760
Physical Description
Figures (2), shepherd and shepherdess, bone china, made by Derby Porcelain Works, England, 1757-1760 A porcelain figure of a shepherd in a purple feathered cap, a pink cape, blue jacket, white shirt, yellow britches, white stockings and black shoes. In his left arm is a basket of apples, and in his right hand is a single apple. A dog sits at his right leg and flowers surround his feet. The figure stands upon a round base with moulded C scrolls and blue and gilt details. A porcelain figure of a shepherdess in a blue hat, a floral coat with pink lining, white blouse, orange stomacher, white apron and floral skirt. Her apron is raised in her left hand to hold flowers. A lamb sits in front of her and flowers surround her feet. The figure stands upon a round base with moulded C scrolls and blue and gilt details.
DIMENSIONS
Height
242 mm
Width
110 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
The Derby porcelain factory made this shepherd and shepherdess between 1754 and 1765 in the Rococo style. The factory produced a range of these decorative wares in a soft paste that was highly suited to delicate moulding yet unsuitable to the production of tableware, owing to its inability to withstand boiling water. These particular figures date from the 'Patch Period' when marks on the bases indicated the points where supports had touched the porcelain during the firing of the glaze. Derby pieces typically imitated French Rococo and other European styles though also represented scenes from British rural life and the theatre.
HISTORY
Notes
This pair of shepherd figures was transferred to the Powerhouse Museum in 1998 as part of the collection that Annie Maria Gillies (Mrs Sinclair Gillies) bequeathed to the Art Gallery of New South Wales in 1953. This collection consisted of around 191 objects, including important examples of eighteenth-century English furniture and porcelain. The Gallery never accessioned these items, and decided to sell the majority in 1997, transfering a portion to the Powerhouse Museum.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Bequest of Annie Maria Gillies 1953, transferred from Art Gallery of NSW 1998
Acquisition Date
15 September 2005
Copyright for the above image is held by the Powerhouse and may be subject to third-party copyright restrictions. Please submit an Image Licensing Enquiry for information regarding reproduction, copyright and fees. Text is released under Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivative licence.
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