Staffordshire Figures 1780-1840

Faith, Hope, and Charity are sometimes called “theological virtues” because Christians believe they are gifts of God. These virtues have traditionally been portrayed in art in female form, each accompanied by an appropriate attribute. 

Faith holds a book representing the Scriptures. Hope gazes heavenward; the anchor at her side originates from St Paul, which describes hope as “an achor of the soul.” (Heb. 6:19). Charity is believed to be the greatest of the virtues, embodying both love of God and others. Appropriately, the figure of Charity portrays these dual aspects. She nurtures children, while in one model a child holds a crucifix.

Figures of Faith, Hope, and Charity must have been particularly popular by the early 1800s, because lots of versions were made. You can find them in sets of three--usually assembled by an observant collector--or as singles.  I confess to a fondness for the figure of Charity, so I pick up nice examples and nestle them on a table, complete with a period hand-colored engraving of Charity. My attraction to this figure has nothing to do with my belief in theological virtues. Rather, I am Jewish and charity is at the core of Judaism. I will confess to not being particularly observant--which gives me the perfect excuse for owning neither Faith nor Hope. But I can always find room for a lovely Charity.

This example came from John Howard, and I love the fabulous enamels. More importantly, the figure was perfect--and I waited for a perfect example on an otherwise ordinary figure. I think I am drawn to Charity because I too lugged three children around, so I relate!

The example of Charity above is quite different and I envy her serenity. This figure is impressed WEDGWOOD, dating it to the 1790s. I really wanted a marked Wedgwood example, so I tolerated the fact that Charity's head had been reattached. As John said to me once when I dithered about a reattachment "Myrna, its all there."  It was good advice and I recall it often.

Some examples of Charity are formed quite differently. Here she only has two children.

This figure is in the "Sherratt" style and it was made without a bocage also. A very similar figure was made by Ralph Wood in the 18th century, but the popularity of the subject ensured that the molds were used by several potters for decades longer.

I like the Charity below. She is more the kind of mother I was....nothing serene here. I have only seen one example of this figure and I wish I owned her.

There are so many variations of Charity, and you will be able to see them all in the book I am working on. I cannot tell you how grateful I am to all the dealers, collectors, and auction houses who have helped with images. I know taking pictures is not fun and emailing is a pain....and then there is a little permission form that my publisher requires. We all hate forms, even simple forms. But everybody has stepped up to the plate. The book will be a collaborative effort and the more input we have, the better the end result. So a big thank you...and please keep them coming!

One more point about my figures of Charity: this little collecting theme has allowed me to indulge in several figures of the finest quality at reasonable prices. Because the figures are quite common, I can hold out until I find a perfect example. And a single figure of this sort is never expensive. So there is no huge agonizing over the purchase. A theme like this really keeps collecting fun.  And there is room on my table for plenty more.:)