A Staffordshire pearlware Figure representing Charity, circa 1800-20
This Staffordshire pearlware figure represents Charity, one of the three Christian theological virtues – the others being Faith and Hope. In the New Testament, Paul the Apostle considers charity thus: ‘And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.’ (1 Corinthians 13). According to theologists, charity is composed of the love of God and the love of man.
Depicted as a woman dressed in patterned classical robes and wearing sandals, she cradles a baby in her left arm. Beside her, a small child holds onto Charity’s drapery, protected by her robes. The eldest child stands clutching a cross and a book. The square base is painted with a red line.
Condition: There is restoration to the child’s right arm and the cross it holds, and minor retouching. There are a few tiny chips and grazes to the base and the figures. There is a small patch of staining to the edge of the base. No other damage or restoration. The figure remains attractive and displays well.
Dimensions: Height 18.3 cm
People, Passions, Pastimes, and Pleasures: Staffordshire Figures 1810-1835, Myrna Schkolne (Hot Lane Press, 2006).
A Collector’s History of English Pottery, Griselda Lewis (Antique Collectors’ Club, 1987).
English Pottery and Porcelain, Geoffrey Wills (Guinness, 1969).
£50.00 (plus Postage & Packaging)