Antique Parian from Drove House Antiques Tel: 07887 777443
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Rare Minton Parian figure of Lalage

SOLD

Code: 190803



An attractive Minton Parian figure of Lalage, modelled seated on a rock with an elaborate wreath of flowers around her arm.  Marked ‘MINTON’ underneath the base, and with the date mark for 1863.  Height 42cm (16.5")

The Parian Phenomenon adds the information that this figure was modelled by John Bell after an original marble sculpture commissioned by Lord Fitzwilliam, and exhibited at the 1856 Royal Academy exhibition.  The parian figure was shown by Minton at the 1862 International Exhibition.

Lalage was the muse of the Roman poet Horace, who professed his love in the ode ‘Integer vitae’:

'set me down in a land denied habitation,
where the sun’s chariot rumbles too near the earth:
I’ll still be in love with my sweetly laughing,
sweet talking Lalage'

 
The figure of Lalage is shown with a scroll tucked into the top of her chemise - perhaps a poem from Horace.

Condition.  This figure is in excellent condition.  It is likely that there are a few small losses to the tips of leaves or petals of the wreath of flowers but as can be seen in our photographs, these are not easy to discern.  The amount of work involved in making (by hand) this wreath of flowers is impressive!