Lord Byron & The Maid of Athens

Stock No: 001392

Height: 7 Inches / 18 cm

Reference: Harding Second Addendum, Page 39, Figs 85A/85B

Price: £695.00

A truly remarkable and rare pair of figures depicting Lord Byron and The Maid of Athens, both are richly decorated in a multitude of overglaze enamels and underglaze cobalt blue. They are elegantly seated upon oval bases lined with gilt. Lord Byron is adorned with a distinctive round headdress, suggestive of a turban, and is dressed in a stylish jacket over an open-necked shirt, complemented by breeches and polished boots. In a gesture of elegance, he holds a charming basket of flowers nestled in his lap.

In contrast, The Maid of Athens captivates with her beauty, adorned with a delicate garland woven through her hair. She wears a fitted bodice that accentuates her figure and a flowing long skirt that softens her silhouette. A sumptuous scarf drapes gracefully over her left shoulder, trailing down to rest in her lap, where she cradles a collection of vibrant flowers.

Renowned authors A & N Harding have noted this pair as exceptionally rare. Although they lack specific recorded titles, they bear a striking resemblance to other known representations of Byron and The Maid of Athens. Both figures have been expertly restored, with professional, invisible repairs at the neck ensuring their integrity. Crafted by the esteemed Alpha factory pot bank in Staffordshire, England, around 1845, these figures stand as a testament to fine artistry and historical significance.