Not currently on display at the V&A

Richard III

Figurine
ca.1880 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This figurine of Richard III, one of a series of Shakespeare characters, was made in Paris by the company of Edmé Samson, a famous copyist of pottery and porcelain. Samson established his factory in Paris in 1845, producing pieces inspired by and copied from the work of famous factories, including Meissen, Sèvres, Chelsea, Derby and all the major factories of England, France and Germany, as well as tin-glazed earthenware or faience. He claimed to mark all pieces with his own double 'S' mark as well as the mark of the original piece, but in many cases his own mark is missing.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleRichard III (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Glazed porcelain
Brief description
Figurine of Richard III, the title role in Shakespeare's play Richard III, Samson & Company copy of a Crown Derby figure. French, late 19th century
Physical description
Figurine of Richard III wearing a green cape with a lilac lining, green tights, a blue tunic with gold patterns, a dagger at his belt and a maroon hat. He stands on a rococo-style base with an integral pillar, looking slightly to his left, holding his hands up in front of his chest, his right foot in front of his left.
Dimensions
  • Height: 15.5cm
  • Maximum width & width of base width: 5.1cm
  • Of base & maximum depth depth: 6.3cm
  • Of base width: 5.5cm
Marks and inscriptions
Red crown over crossed swords, 'L' 'M' and 'E' in left, right and lower quadrant respectively (This is a copy of a Crown Derby mark, ca.1800-1825.)
Credit line
Accepted by HM Government in lieu of Inheritance Tax and allocated to the Victoria and Albert Museum, 1996
Subject depicted
Literary referenceRichard III
Summary
This figurine of Richard III, one of a series of Shakespeare characters, was made in Paris by the company of Edmé Samson, a famous copyist of pottery and porcelain. Samson established his factory in Paris in 1845, producing pieces inspired by and copied from the work of famous factories, including Meissen, Sèvres, Chelsea, Derby and all the major factories of England, France and Germany, as well as tin-glazed earthenware or faience. He claimed to mark all pieces with his own double 'S' mark as well as the mark of the original piece, but in many cases his own mark is missing.
Collection
Accession number
S.954-1996

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Record createdJune 12, 2006
Record URL
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