Heraclitus and Democritus
These are two companion classical busts sometimes referred to as Tragedy and Comedy.
The sad faced figure on the left is Heraclitus (540-475 BC). He is known as The Weeping Philosopher because he found man’s condition melancholy. This Staffordshire example is circa 1780, stands 5.5 inches tall and is after a similar bust made by Derby.
The smiling figure on the right is Democritus (460-370 BC), a Greek philosopher and the founder of the atomic theory. He is known as The Laughing Philosopher because he found man’s condition ridiculous. Again after a Derby bust and circa 1780, 5.5 inches tall.
More Figures of the month
A pair of pointers
This is a rare pair of Staffordshire foxhounds, pointers, or game dogs. Whatever one decides to call them, they are an unusual and very fine pair.
Reverand Edward Meyrick Goulburn
This is a rare Staffordshire figure of the Reverand Edward Goulburn, standing approximately 11 1/2” tall and dating to about 1860.
Richard Cobden
This is a rare Staffordshire figure of Richard Cobden, the English politician, economist, and leader of the effort to abolish the Corn Laws in 1846.
Rare pair of camel figures
This is a rare, mirror image pair of Staffordshire camel figures. They are generally believed to represent Lady Hester Stanhope and her personal physician and companion Dr. Charles Lewis Meryon, though this attribution is not certain.
Pair of standing lions
This is a fine pair of Staffordshire lions standing on coloured bases. Each lion is approximately 10” tall and dates to about 1860. These figures may be found in Harding’s Book Two, page 259.
Rare figure of Victorian card playing
At first glance, this may appear to be an ordinary arbour figure. But upon closer inspection, one can see these three people are engaged in a game of cards.
Membership
We warmly welcome new members – join us for free!
Wherever you are in the world, whether you are an experienced collector, a researcher interested in the folk art of England, or just someone who is intrigued by Staffordshire figures, please join us and get the rest of this year for free! Stay with us next year and pay an annual fee of £45 / $50 per household in January.
