{"product_id":"early-derby-diana-porcelain-figure-william-duesbury-c-1765","title":"Early Derby Diana Porcelain Figure: William Duesbury, c. 1765","description":"Early Derby Figure of Diana in Soft-Paste Porcelain, Painted and Gilded, William Duesbury \u0026amp; Co, patch period, c. 1765\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nA finely modelled soft-paste porcelain figure of Diana (or Artemis), the goddess of the hunt, painted in enamels and highlighted with gilding. She is depicted with her right arm raised, poised to draw an arrow from the quiver slung across her back. A crescent moon, emblematic of her divine role, adorns her hair. She wears gladiator-style sandals and a sash at her waist, with her loyal greyhound seated at her feet. The sandals, commonly associated with classical representations of deities, warriors, and mythological figures, enhance the classical character of the composition. The moulded base is richly decorated with applied flowers. Three ‘patch marks' are visible on the underside.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHistorical Background\u003cbr\u003e\nThe Derby Porcelain factory traces its origins to the late 1740s, when Andrew Planché, a Walloon Huguenot refugee, began producing small porcelain animal figures. In 1756, Staffordshire enameller William Duesbury and banker John Heath partnered with Planché to establish a new porcelain factory. This factory grew into the largest of its time, acquiring the bankrupt Chelsea and Bow factories, as well as the stock of several workshops, including that of James Giles. The fusion of various traditions and craftsmanship enabled Duesbury to create one of the most distinguished porcelain factories of the 18th and 19th centuries, which remains operational today.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAt its peak in the 18th century, Derby Porcelain was heralded as \"the second Dresden.\" Duesbury maintained a retail space at The Castle Tavern in Bedford Street, Covent Garden, which functioned as both a warehouse and exhibition area. Derby porcelain was often hand-painted, with some pieces featuring Imari designs in London at the Chelsea premises. This production became known as Chelsea-Derby. Eventually, the Chelsea site was closed, and the Derby brand continued independently. With continued royal patronage, Duesbury was granted permission to add a crown to the trademark, giving rise to Royal Crown Derby Porcelain.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nLarger variants of this figure with the greyhound seated are illustrated in J. Twitchett, Derby Porcelain (1980), p.63, fig. 53, and P. Bradshaw, Derby Porcelain Figures 1750-1848 (1990), p.111. The 28 cm version of this figure is particularly rare, with smaller 19.5 cm versions being more common. A comparable example can be found in the Victoria and Albert Museum.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nMeasurements\u003cbr\u003e\nHeight: 28 cm\u003cbr\u003e\nWeight: 1575 g\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nCondition\u003cbr\u003e\nSome fading to enamel and wear to gilt. Restoration to the right arm. Crack extending from the left foot to the underside of the base. Small losses to leaves, petals, and the dog's left ear. Possible restoration to the neck, as indicated by a faint white line. Fleabites to the edge of the dress on the reverse. Restoration to the top of the quiver. Possible loss of one yellow bow on the quiver.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nAntique British porcelain is rarely perfect due to the nature of early kiln firing methods. British makers were known for their experimentation, sometimes leading to minor imperfections such as firing specks, small firing lines, and crazing, which should not be considered damage. Items of this age often show normal signs of wear, including slight gilt disintegration, minor scratches, and nicks, all of which should be taken into account.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nPlease carefully review all photos as they form part of the description. If you have any doubts or require further images, please don't hesitate to ask.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nShipping \u0026amp; Packaging\u003cbr\u003e\nItem will be sent fully tracked and insured.\u003cbr\u003e\nShipping cost includes labour, packaging, and postage.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nPlease do not hesitate to ask any questions.\u003cbr\u003e\n","brand":"Gillers Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62886169280842,"sku":null,"price":1230.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1066\/5351\/6106\/files\/il_fullxfull.6732712194_qe9n.jpg?v=1785925649","url":"https:\/\/gillersantiques.com\/products\/early-derby-diana-porcelain-figure-william-duesbury-c-1765","provider":"Gillers Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}