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The Three Graces distressing Cupid
Derby Porcelain factory - Enlarge image
The Three Graces distressing Cupid
- Object:
Figure group
- Place of origin:
Derby, England (made)
- Date:
late 18th century (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Derby Porcelain factory (maker)
- Materials and Techniques:
Biscuit soft-paste porcelain, slip-cast
- Credit Line:
Given by Mrs Fabian Colenutt
- Museum number:
C.768-1936
- Gallery location:
World Ceramics, room 145, case 12, shelf 1
The composition of this figure group was taken from a print. This was common practice with many of the more ambitious British porcelain figure models. Here the print was Etiam Amor Criminibus Plectitur, ('Even Cupid is not alien to crime'). This engraving of 1777 by William Wynne Ryland reproduced a design by the painter Angelica Kauffmann. Ryland's engravings are listed in an inventory of prints owned by the Derby procelain factory in 1791.
With this group the Derby porcelain factory has skilfully adapted a two-dimensional drawing to a three-dimensional figure. The factory later issued a much less successful version. Derby's unglazed porcelain figure groups, such as this one, were advertised in 1773 as being 'particularly suited for the Embellishment of Desserts'.
