This Staffordshire junkie continues to be wow-ed by John Howard's stock. Amazing. How does he do it??? Where do I begin? You have to notice this stunning representation of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane.
The figure is titled CHRISTS AGONY and it is definitely "Sherratt". The base is one of the less common "Sherratt" bases. I have it on a figure titled "MENAGERIE" in my collection--you can see that figure in my book. How else do we know this figure is "Sherratt"? Well, the little floral sprigs beautifully arranged around the edge of the base are akin to "Sherratt" signatures. You only find these sprigs applied to "Sherratt" figures. And the combination of bocage leaves and flowers is another "Sherratt" exclusive.
Here is a close up of one of those tell-tale sprigs from another "Sherratt" figure. Train your eye to look for it. It really is a very helpful pointer to an attribution.
The story behind the figure of Chirst's Agony is as follows. Entering the garden of Gethsemane and knowing his arrest is imminent, Jesus prays sorrowfully, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me.” (Gospels of Matthew 26:36–56; Mark 14:32–52; Luke 22:40–53; John 18:1–12). We see words to this effect on the plinth beneath the angel alongside Jesus. Images of this very scene have been popular in art for centuries and probably inspired our figures.
"Sherratt" made Christ's Agony on other bases and with other bocages, as you see below. (Center: Brighton Museum. Right: Formerly in the stock of Roger De Ville.) The variations are apparent. The example on the blue base is unusual in that I haven't seen a base painted blue on any other "Sherratt" figure. But John's figure gets the prize, in my opinion. Not only is it in fabulously complete condition, it has that lovely base and the title CHRISTS AGONY--and, after all, is that not what the New Testament tale is all about?
"Sherratt" made Christ's Agony on other bases and with other bocages, as you see below. (Center: Brighton Museum. Right: Formerly in the stock of Roger De Ville.) The variations are apparent. The example on the blue base is unusual in that I haven't seen a base painted blue on any other "Sherratt" figure. But John's figure gets the prize, in my opinion. Not only is it in fabulously complete condition, it has that lovely base and the title CHRISTS AGONY--and, after all, is that not what the New Testament tale is all about?
Other potters too portrayed Christ in the Garden. Here we have an example that I attribute to what I call the "Leather Leaf Group." It is currently on eBay, but at a considerable premium to John's figure.
Another winner in John's stock--and it is also pictured in my book--is this colorful figure of Abraham Offering Isaac.
The well-known story in Genesis of the binding of Isaac is powerfully symbolic. At God’s command, Abraham raises his knife to slay his beloved son, Isaac, but God stays Abraham’s hand and presents instead a sacrificial ram. This tale’s compelling message of paternal authority, filial duty, and faith in a higher order has been portrayed in classical art for centuries, and an old masters’ print (probably after Rembrandt) or a derivative work may have inspired our figure.
The tale of Abraham and Isaac must have been popular in its time, as several pot banks had a go at capturing it in clay. John's figure is simple and strong--it encapsulates the essence of Abraham's dilemma--and that's what I like about it. Some figures, on the other hand, can be quite elaborate, and, as a result, they are frequently very damaged today. The figures below are both from the Potteries Museum. The right hand figure can also be seen in my book.
The tale of Abraham and Isaac must have been popular in its time, as several pot banks had a go at capturing it in clay. John's figure is simple and strong--it encapsulates the essence of Abraham's dilemma--and that's what I like about it. Some figures, on the other hand, can be quite elaborate, and, as a result, they are frequently very damaged today. The figures below are both from the Potteries Museum. The right hand figure can also be seen in my book.
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I admit to finding the Bible tale of Abraham and Isaac fascinating. What could/should Abraham have done? What could/should Isaac have done? The story is really about choice--and how you balance it against duty. Collecting is also about choice, so look at all the dealers' stock--and have fun adding to your collection.
