A Rare Derby Figure of the Goddess Ceres, she is modelled wearing a castellated crown standing on a mound dressed in a long floral decorated robe, Circa 1755-56

Description

A rare Derby figure of Ceres, the goddess is modelled wearing a castellated crown standing bare footed on a mound draped in a long floral robe edged in gold and decorated with a multitude of pink yellow and red flowers and leaves, around her waist is a  turquoise sash with a recumbent lion at her feet. Her outstretched right arm holds a sickle and sheathes of corn, in the left hand she holds the end of a cornucopia which is a goat horn symbolising  plenty, which overflows with an abundance of flowers, fruit and corn, which are also applied around the base along with vine leaves stems and grapes .

In Greek mythology she is known as the Goddess “Demeter” (Roman equivalent is Ceres) and is one of the oldest goddesses of the ancient Greek pantheon,  Known as the Goddess of harvest, protector of the land and its products, mother of cereals (hence her name) fertility, agriculture and vegetation.

This mid eighteenth century porcelain figure of Ceres manufactured in Derby by Andrew Planche (1750 to 1756) and probably modelled by Italian sculptor Agostino Carlini gives a good representation of all that Ceres or Demrter stands for.

The under side base of the figure is dry, unglazed and so is the edge but there is also faint patch marks this would indicate that it was made in the transitional period  1755-56 but may be earlier and London decorated as the leaves appear to be in the style of James Giles .

Circa: 1755-56.

Condition; The sickle, sheathes of corn in right hand, neck and small parts of the crown and some leaves and flowers restored,

Height 26.5 cm “10.50 inches”.

“Condition and Authenticity Guaranteed Genuine”