From the Sublime to the Ridiculous

Staffordshire's figure potters produced an extraordinary range of wares. And they also made more than their fair share of religious figures. Figures portraying the Madonna and child have never been my 'thing'....but this week two examples popped up that made me change my mind.  Andrew Dando's current Exhibition features a Madonna that is quite a tour de force.

Staffordshire pearlware Madonna and child from the stock of Andrew Dando. H: 23'

Well, isn't she simply beautiful? Sublime. Notice the traces of the original soft gilded pattern on her blue cloak. You don't often see that because gilding was an expensive touch and it wore away quite easily. Despite being an impressive 23" high, this figure is elegant and not at all clunky. The wording on the base, SANCTA MARIA ORA PRO NOBIS translates to "Holy Mary, pray for us."  It is found within the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary (also known as the Litany of Loreto), originally approved in 1587 by Pope Sixtus V. 

At the other end of the design spectrum is this little Madonna and child, a mere 5" high.

Staffordshire figure of a Madonna and child. H: 5'

This figure was sent to me by a blog reader who wanted to know what it was. I had never seen this figure before--nor had I seen its base form. At first, I wondered if it was English but after looking at some more photos I was convinced.

Bae of pearlware figure of Madonna.

Very definitely pearlware, made in Staffordshire circa 1820. And it has all the quirky charm that makes little figures so engaging. As I always tell my lecture audiences, Staffordshire figures provide something for every pocket.

Myrna muses: this figure's form looks rather like Quimper versions of the Madonna. Any chance our potter was inspired by a French figure? Or is the resemblance merely coincidental?

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