A rare Bow porcelain figure representing a muse with mixed attributions of Polyhymnia or Calliope, modelled by the celebrated anonymous sculptor known as the 'Muses Modeller'. The winged female figure is seated beside a marbled obelisk, her left arm embracing the monument, and is dressed in flowing white and yellow robes with a puce neckline. She is crowned with a laurel wreath and wears a gilt-decorated blue armlet to her upper right arm. At her feet are an assemblage of martial trophies—including a banner, sword, shield and plumed helmet—carefully enamelled and highlighted in gilding.
Height: 17 cm
Although some surviving examples bear the inscription 'polimnie' on the obelisk and have traditionally been identified as Polyhymnia, the Muse of Sacred Poetry and Oratory, the martial attributes more convincingly suggest that the figure represents Calliope, Muse of Epic Poetry. In The Missing Muse (ECC Transactions, Vol. 19, Part 3, 2006), Mavis Bimson proposed that the martial symbolism reflects Calliope's association with heroic deeds, making this the previously unidentified member of Bow's celebrated Muses series. The presence of wings—unique amongst the Bow Muses—may further allude to her status as the Chief of the Muses. Raymond Yarbrough, following Aubrey Toppin, has also suggested that the model may represent Victory (Nike) rather than a muse, illustrating the enduring scholarly interest surrounding this remarkable figure.
Comparable coloured examples are illustrated by Peter Bradshaw in Bow Porcelain Figures (1992), p.70, pl.25, including the example from the Peter Bradshaw Collection sold by Bonhams on 24 January 2007, Lot 21.
Provenance: Joseph Handley Collection;
Simon Spero Exhibition, 2012, no. 34.
Peter & Mary White Collection
Published: Mary White, People at the Whites' House, Vol. 5, 2024, p.213, fig. d.
An exceptionally rare and historically significant figure from Bow's celebrated Muses series, combining ambitious sculptural modelling with rich iconography and the scholarly intrigue that continues to surround its identification.
Condition: Please request a product sheet.
