A Derby Porcelain Figure of the Infant Hercules, circa 1780

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 late 18th-century mythological figure production, combining classical subject matter with the softer, more playful modelling characteristic of the factory during this period.

Circa 1780.
Height: 14 cm.

Condition: Minor nicks to the edge of the lion pelt over the right arm, with slight wear to the enamels. Otherwise in good condition for its age.