A charming and very well modelled porcelain figure depicting a seated elderly woman, possibly Nell, the wife of Jobson the cobbler who were central characters in the 1731 ballad farce The Devil to Pay or, The Wives Metamorphos'd.
Productions of the farce were frequently revived, including a Covent Garden production as late as 1828. The two appear in an illustration in a children’s book in 1825.
Figures of the two were made throughout the 19th century and into the 20th too. Such figures are hugely common, most of them late and decidedly unappealing. Certain early examples are recorded and, when presented well, can be thoroughly charming. This example is a porcelain figure from what we might term ‘the transitional period’, probably dating to the late 1820s or early 1830s. The modelling is fine and delicate, the finish clean, and the decoration rich and tasteful with ample gilt elements. A lovely, quality little figure.
Nell is offered in excellent original condition with no loss or restoration. There are two original firing flaws on the (viewer’s) left side of the base, one to the back, and one in the form of a small superficial hole on the cap. There is some superficial, negligible rubbing to the gilt in places.
A label affixed to the hollow base identified the figure as ‘Rockingham’ but this is certainly incorrect. Earlier and rather grander Rockingham versions are recorded but have little in common with this figure.
Reference: Possibly unrecorded
Height: 4”
Date: c. 1830
A charming and very well modelled porcelain figure depicting a seated elderly woman, possibly Nell, the wife of Jobson the cobbler who were central characters in the 1731 ballad farce The Devil to Pay or, The Wives Metamorphos'd.
Productions of the farce were frequently revived, including a Covent Garden production as late as 1828. The two appear in an illustration in a children’s book in 1825.
Figures of the two were made throughout the 19th century and into the 20th too. Such figures are hugely common, most of them late and decidedly unappealing. Certain early examples are recorded and, when presented well, can be thoroughly charming. This example is a porcelain figure from what we might term ‘the transitional period’, probably dating to the late 1820s or early 1830s. The modelling is fine and delicate, the finish clean, and the decoration rich and tasteful with ample gilt elements. A lovely, quality little figure.
Nell is offered in excellent original condition with no loss or restoration. There are two original firing flaws on the (viewer’s) left side of the base, one to the back, and one in the form of a small superficial hole on the cap. There is some superficial, negligible rubbing to the gilt in places.
A label affixed to the hollow base identified the figure as ‘Rockingham’ but this is certainly incorrect. Earlier and rather grander Rockingham versions are recorded but have little in common with this figure.
Reference: Possibly unrecorded
Height: 4”
Date: c. 1830
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