A finely modelled Derby porcelain figure of the Infant Hercules, shown standing in a relaxed contrapposto pose and leaning against his substantial club. He is draped in the pelt of the Nemean lion, its head forming a hood above his own and the skin falling in folds around his body.
The figure is painted in a restrained palette, with the lion skin picked out in warm reddish-brown tones, the club in mottled brown and green, and the naturalistic rocky base washed in green. The face is delicately enamelled with softly painted features and red lips.
An attractive example of Derby’s 18th-century mythological figure production, combining classical subject matter with the softer, more playful modelling characteristic of the factory during this period.
Circa 1770 Height: 14 cm
For a comparable figure, see Christies 21 Sept 2005 LOT 289 - The John Williams Collection
Condition: Minor nicks to the edge of the lion pelt over the right arm, with slight wear to the enamels. Tip of the pelt missing where it drapes over the arm. Firing faults. Otherwise in good condition for its age.
