Antique Derby Porcelain John Milton Figurine, c. 1765
£740.00
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Antique Early Derby Porcelain Figurine of John Milton, c. 1765 (Patch Period)
A stunning antique porcelain figurine of the poet John Milton, depicted standing beside a column bearing his works, with books and a scroll at his side. Crafted in bone white porcelain with pink accents to his garments, delicate grey tones for his hair, and touches of gilding throughout, this is a striking example of 18th-century English decorative porcelain.
The scroll is inscribed with the lines:
"Into the Heaven of Heavens I have presumed,
An earthley guest, and drawn empyreal air"
These lines are taken from Book Seven of Paradise Lost, Milton's seminal epic. In this passage, the angel Raphael recounts the creation of the world at Adam's request. The use of archaic spellings such as "earthley" reflects the period authenticity of the figurine's casting.
This model is attributed to the Royal Derby factory and dates to around 1765, during the Patch Period, as evidenced by the firing points visible on the base. It is derived from a plaster model by the London sculptor Henry Cheere, created as a companion piece to his reproduction of the 1740 Shakespeare monument by William Kent and Peter Scheemakers. Cheere's model was likely the inspiration for this Derby porcelain version. Originally produced with a square base, the model was later adapted to reflect Rococo fashion trends, with elaborately scrolled and later fluted bases appearing in the 1780s.
Historical Background
The Derby Porcelain factory originated in the late 1740s and rose to prominence in the 18th and 19th centuries through a combination of artistic excellence and commercial acumen. Its association with London-based sculptors and artisans such as Henry Cheere allowed for the creation of finely detailed figurines modelled after famous historical and literary figures. The factory's works from the Patch Period, particularly those based on literary subjects, are among its most admired creations.
Measurements
Height: 30.5 cm
Length: 16 cm
Width: 13 cm
Weight: 1996 g
Condition
Excellent antique condition. Colours, gilding, and details are well preserved. Some chips to the ribbons on the left shoe and small cracks in the enamel, most of which appear to be firing-related defects common to the period. Please review all photos carefully as they form part of the description.
Shipping & Packaging
Item will be shipped fully tracked and insured.
Shipping cost includes labour, professional packaging, and postage.
Please feel free to ask any questions.
Antique Derby Porcelain John Milton Figurine, c. 1765
£740.00
A stunning antique porcelain figurine of the poet John Milton, depicted standing beside a column bearing his works, with books and a scroll at his side. Crafted in bone white porcelain with pink accents to his garments, delicate grey tones for his hair, and touches of gilding throughout, this is a striking example of 18th-century English decorative porcelain.
The scroll is inscribed with the lines:
"Into the Heaven of Heavens I have presumed,
An earthley guest, and drawn empyreal air"
These lines are taken from Book Seven of Paradise Lost, Milton's seminal epic. In this passage, the angel Raphael recounts the creation of the world at Adam's request. The use of archaic spellings such as "earthley" reflects the period authenticity of the figurine's casting.
This model is attributed to the Royal Derby factory and dates to around 1765, during the Patch Period, as evidenced by the firing points visible on the base. It is derived from a plaster model by the London sculptor Henry Cheere, created as a companion piece to his reproduction of the 1740 Shakespeare monument by William Kent and Peter Scheemakers. Cheere's model was likely the inspiration for this Derby porcelain version. Originally produced with a square base, the model was later adapted to reflect Rococo fashion trends, with elaborately scrolled and later fluted bases appearing in the 1780s.
Historical Background
The Derby Porcelain factory originated in the late 1740s and rose to prominence in the 18th and 19th centuries through a combination of artistic excellence and commercial acumen. Its association with London-based sculptors and artisans such as Henry Cheere allowed for the creation of finely detailed figurines modelled after famous historical and literary figures. The factory's works from the Patch Period, particularly those based on literary subjects, are among its most admired creations.
Measurements
Height: 30.5 cm
Length: 16 cm
Width: 13 cm
Weight: 1996 g
Condition
Excellent antique condition. Colours, gilding, and details are well preserved. Some chips to the ribbons on the left shoe and small cracks in the enamel, most of which appear to be firing-related defects common to the period. Please review all photos carefully as they form part of the description.
Shipping & Packaging
Item will be shipped fully tracked and insured.
Shipping cost includes labour, professional packaging, and postage.
Please feel free to ask any questions.