Large Staffordshire Pearlware Pottery Figure of Ceres or Plenty,
Circa 1815

This large-scale figure of Ceres or Plenty is a stunning example of Staffordshire pottery. The figure is finely modeled and enamelled in colors, and she stands on a wonderfully decorated marbled plinth. Ceres is the Roman goddess of agriculture, fertility, and motherhood, and she is often depicted holding a flaming torch and a cornucopia. The figure wears a striking yellow robe over a light purple dress decorated with black flowers.  In her left hand she holds a flaming torch while in the right she holds a large cornucopia overflowing with fruit and flowers.

Dimensions; 20 ½ inches high x 7 inches wide x 5 inches deep; (52.07cm high x 17.78cm wide x 12.7cm deep).

Condition: The tip of the flaming torch is invisibly restored and there is a minor chip on the cornucopia, otherwise in excellent condition.

Reference: Myrna Schkolne, Staffordshire Figures 1780-1840, Family, Friendship, Play, & Classical Subjects, Vol 4, Page 132, Figure 166.14 from the Collection of Arnold & Barbara Berlin for a similar sized figure. Schkolne mentions that the figure of Ceres also occurs as the allegorical portrayal of summer in sets of figures emblematic of the four seasons.

(Ref: NY10281-imnm)