c. 1791 Derby Actor Figure of Richard III

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Preferred Checkout YOU'VE WON! CLICK the Vendio Checkout button to go to your Checkout page! Enter your address and your shipping and invoice will automatically be generated! Questions? Call Stefany at ! For fastest processing of your order, please use Vendio Checkout! Payment | Checkout | Shipping | Additional Information | Policies: Checkout, Shipping, 2nd Chance Offers , Reserves & Affiliations c. 1791 Derby Actor Figure of Richard III Album Album Album Album Album Album Album Album Derby c. 1791 This gorgeous Derby portrait model is of David Garrick (no. 21) in the title role of King Richard III, by William Shakespeare. The king wears a doublet, hose, ermine-trimmed cloak and buckled shoes, and stands with one foot advanced striking an histrionic pose with his right arm upraised. Mounted on an oval mound encrusted with small leaves and flowers. Measuring 11 1/2" high, it is inscribed No 21 and painted 5 in iron oxide red. T is a fine stress line in one arm at the join - not a condition concern. The spurs on his boots are nicked off, otherwise this figure is in excellent condition. He is beautifully painted with very little wear to the decoration. This model was adapted from John Dixon's mezzotint after the portrait by Nathaniel Dance, exhibited at Burlington House in 1771. The scene relates to Bosworth Field w the monarch, his steed killed under him, cried out: 'Ahorse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse!' The model is mentioned in teh Derby Sale Catalogues of 9 and 10 February 1773: 'A fine figure of Garrick, in the character of Richard III, in biscuit â±¢I IOs od.' t is no evidence to support Haslem's contention that the model was created by John Bacon. Babette Craven has shown that when durin gthe 1790's John Philip Kemble took over the role from Garrick, the old porcelain modes was refurchised and given a new head in his likeness. Further, when in due couse Kemble yielded the part to Edmund Kean, the model of Kemble was reissued byt with the new head design repainted to represent the features of the new incumbant, which is what we have David Garrick (1717-1799) was born in ford and in 1737 set out for Longdon in the company of his friend Dr. Samuel Johnson. Garrick's first play, Lethe, opened at Drury Lane in 1741 adn durin gthat same year he made his debut as the Duke of Gloucester upon the obards of a small theatre in Goodman's Fields. Never before had a reputation been established at a first performance adn the public did not allow this triumph ever to be forgotton. Thomas Davies wrote: "Mur Garrick shone froth like a theatrical Newton; he threw new light on elocutino, ease, simplicity and genuine humour...' The part of Gloucester, who became Richard III, remained n Garrick's repertoire untilo his farewell season of 1776. During his lifetime he became actor-manager of Drury Lane, Poet Laureate, adn teh acknowledged monarch of the English stage. T were fifty cariages in his funeral cortege and five of his six pall-bearers were peers of the realm. Dr. Johnson stood by the graveside with tear=stained face adn pronounced: I am disappointed by that stroke of death which eclipsed the gaiety of nations.' An epitaph in Westminster Abbey reads: 'Shakespeare adn Garrick like twin stars shall shine and earth irradiate with a beam divine.' The above information gleaned from Peter Bradshaw's Derby Porcelain Figures, 1750-1848 . Estimate: 500 - 700 Thank you for your interest in our current auction. We offer a selection of Unusual Classical & Aesthetic Objects from the 18th, 19th, & Early 20th C. -- English Staffordshire Pottery and Parian -- Paintings & Prints. This is an authentic original work, not a reproduction of any kind, and we guarantee our description and illustrations. Be sure to scroll further down for additional pho... read more

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