Fox and monkey
What an interesting figure of a fox and monkey, 4 3/4” tall. The figure is rare and probably represents one of Aesop’s Fables called “The Fox and the Monkey”.
It is circa 1840, partially painted in the round, and has a solid base. Other Aesop’s Fables’ Staffordshire figures with foxes can be found in Harding Book Two, pages 339-340, figures 3346 D, E and F.
The story of “The Fox and the Monkey” from Aesop’s Fables
One day Monkey dances for all the animals. His dancing is so entertaining, the animals make him King. Only Fox is not impressed. She comes across a hunter’s trap set with meat and tricks Monkey into believing she has discovered a bountiful feast in the forest, ready for him to claim for the animals. As soon as Monkey sees the meat he greedily pounces on it, trapping his paw. Angry and in pain, Monkey blames Fox for deceiving him, but Monkey’s selfishness and naivity is just more proof to Fox that Monkey is not fit to be King. “A ruler needs many talents,” says Fox.
More Figures of the month
Royal children seated
This is a very rare pair of Staffordshire figures representing the Princess Royal and the Prince of Wales, seated in chairs. Each figure is approximately 5” tall and dates to about 1845.
Queen Victoria
This is a rare Staffordshire figure of Queen Victoria, standing 8 3/4” tall and dating to approximately 1855. The Queen stands holding the staff of a flag in her left hand and a scroll in her right hand.
Victor Emmanuel II
This is a rare Staffordshire military figure of Victor Emmanuel II, standing 17” tall, dating to approximately 1855. It is titled in gold, raised capital letters, “KING OF SARDINIA”.
Dr Dulcamara and Adina
This is a rare pair of Staffordshire theatrical figures, standing 8 ½” tall and dating to approximately 1848. The male character represents Dr Dulcamara, as portrayed by Luigi Lablache, in Donizetti’s comedic melodrama L’elisir d’amore (The Elixir of Love). The female actress, playing the role of Adina, is unidentified.
John Liston
This is an early Staffordshire figure of the actor John Liston, portraying the role of Van Dunder in the play ‘Twould Puzzle a Conjuror’ or ‘The Two Peters’, by John Poole.
Robert Raikes
This is a very rare Staffordshire bust of Robert Raikes, an Anglican layman and English philanthropist. The figure is titled in gilt script as “Founder of the Sunday School”, but it would be more accurate to say he was a pioneer, or promoter, of Sunday Schools.
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