A rare figure depicting the American evangelist Dwight Moody.
Moody (a powerful preacher) together with his compatriot Ira Sankey (a composer and singer) travelled around the United States of America attracting huge congregations at their revivalist sermons. They first visited Britain in 1873, with great publicity, and it is likely that this figure was produced then.
Figures of Moody and Sankey can be found in a variety of sizes of which this is the smallest. Some large versions are attributed to the potter Sampson Smith, and it is possible (though I could not be certain) that this figure was also made by Smith.
Moody wears a white suit jacket with blue trims, a pink and magenta patterned waistcoat, and white trousers. He rests his right hand on a Bible atop a coloured column, his left hand on his hip. Interestingly, Moody’s hair is black but his bears is grey and flecked. The title - ‘MOODY’ - is written in raised black capitals on the base beneath a brick-patterned backdrop.
The figure is in excellent condition with no loss and clean, clear decoration. There is a patch of professional restoration to the back of the base which is practically unnoticeable even when examined from behind.
Reference: A. & N. Harding, Victorian Staffordshire Figures 1835 - 1875: Book One, p. 89, fig. 209
Height: 9.75”
Date: c. 1873
Provenance: The Harry Ryan Collection; the Kirkland Tellwright Collection
A rare figure depicting the American evangelist Dwight Moody.
Moody (a powerful preacher) together with his compatriot Ira Sankey (a composer and singer) travelled around the United States of America attracting huge congregations at their revivalist sermons. They first visited Britain in 1873, with great publicity, and it is likely that this figure was produced then.
Figures of Moody and Sankey can be found in a variety of sizes of which this is the smallest. Some large versions are attributed to the potter Sampson Smith, and it is possible (though I could not be certain) that this figure was also made by Smith.
Moody wears a white suit jacket with blue trims, a pink and magenta patterned waistcoat, and white trousers. He rests his right hand on a Bible atop a coloured column, his left hand on his hip. Interestingly, Moody’s hair is black but his bears is grey and flecked. The title - ‘MOODY’ - is written in raised black capitals on the base beneath a brick-patterned backdrop.
The figure is in excellent condition with no loss and clean, clear decoration. There is a patch of professional restoration to the back of the base which is practically unnoticeable even when examined from behind.
Reference: A. & N. Harding, Victorian Staffordshire Figures 1835 - 1875: Book One, p. 89, fig. 209
Height: 9.75”
Date: c. 1873
Provenance: The Harry Ryan Collection; the Kirkland Tellwright Collection
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