A Copeland Parian Figure of Paul, porcelain, Staffordshire, circa 1850-60
Modelled by the French sculptor Charles Cumberworth (1811-52), the Copeland figure of Paul depicts a youthful, romanticised adolescent with flowing curls and loosely draped clothing. Barefoot and with an axe in his left hand, he half leans on the stump of a palm tree. In his right hand, his upturned straw hat is filled with an abundance of fruit and flowers, as well as a birds’ nest housing four chirruping chicks. Meticulous attention to detail defines this beautifully sculpted figure, from the intricate textures of the hair and drapery to the finely rendered contents of his hat. The slight tilt of the head, paired with a bent knee and turned foot, infuses the sensitive modelling with an undeniable charm, elegance, and fluid movement.
Set on the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius (Île de France), Paul et Virginie is a 1788 short novel by the French author Jacques-Henri Bernardin de Saint-Pierre (1737-1814). Written on the eve of the French Revolution, it tells the story of two devoted childhood friends who grow up together in harmony with nature, untainted by the corruptions of civilised society.
The side of the base at the rear is impressed COPELAND, and a workman’s mark is impressed into the hollow underside of the base.
Dimensions: Height 36 cm.
Condition: The porcelain exhibits the attractive warm tone characteristic of early Parian ware; it became noticeably whiter towards the end of the 19th century. The very end of the axe handle is missing, although this minor loss is obscured from view by the figure’s left arm. A tight crack is visible on the right arm, running along the shirt seam. This may be a stable firing or assembly line dating back to original manufacture. There is a small crack to part of the axe. The delicately modelled leaves and petals show typical, minor losses. No other damage and no restoration. Parian porcelain was much admired for its similarity to marble, and typically takes on a patination over the many years.
Price: £95.