A pair of Parian figures of Pandora and Psyche by Minton

A pair of Parian figures of Pandora and Psyche by Minton after Albert Carrier de Belleuse, first produced in 1851.

The bases are both marked Minton together with the date code for 1872.

In Greek mythology Pandora was the first human woman created by the gods. She is remembered for opening a box and releasing all the evils into the world. with only hope remaining in the box. This figure captures the moment of decision by Pandora to open the casket in her hand.

In Roman mythology Psyche was a princess of outstanding beauty.  Cupid placed Psyche in a remote palace where he could visit her secretly in the dark and forbade her to look at him. One night Psyche lit a lamp in order to discover who has been visiting her and found that the figure at her side was the god of love himself. Startled she spilled hot oil on Cupid, who fled.  This figure captures the moment when Psyche fills her oil lamp in preparation.

The figures are both illustrated in the “Parian Phenomenon” in a coloured version in the colour plate page 6, and, for Pandora, page 90 fig 145.

Heights:  Pandora 44 cm (17.3"), Psyche 42cm (16.5”)

Condition: Excellent. Psyche has a small, professionally repaired chip to the rim of the base at the rear of the figure and some brown kiln spotting at the rear bottom.