A RARE PAIR OF FAMILLE VERTE BISCUIT FIGURES OF A FRENCH COURTIER AND LADY, each modelled standing on a flat base, his with a rockwork support, wearing fashionable French dress, he with a yellow coat decorated with floral motifs and a red sash with prunus blossoms, his long curly wig hanging down over the left shoulder, she with an aubergine dress decorated with peonies and a yellow coat with broad sleeves and floral motifs, her hair dressed high á la Fontanges, each with a pleasant smiling expression (hands restored), Kangxi

EUROPEAN-SUBJECT CERAMICS VARIOUS PROPERTIES

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A RARE PAIR OF FAMILLE VERTE BISCUIT FIGURES OF A FRENCH COURTIER AND LADY, each modelled standing on a flat base, his with a rockwork support, wearing fashionable French dress, he with a yellow coat decorated with floral motifs and a red sash with prunus blossoms, his long curly wig hanging down over the left shoulder, she with an aubergine dress decorated with peonies and a yellow coat with broad sleeves and floral motifs, her hair dressed high á la Fontanges, each with a pleasant smiling expression (hands restored), Kangxi
24cm. high (2)

Lot Essay

Cf. W. R. Sargent, op. cit., p.105, fig.48, for an identical pair in the Copeland Collection. The author suggests that these figures may be based on French fashion plates of about 1700, possibly engravings by Bonnart of members of the Royal family. He notes that the male figure is usually identified as Louis XIV, while the female could be one of several artistocratic women including Mme de Maintenon, Mme de Montespan and Mme de Mainfloron. Also cf. M. Beurdeley, op. cit., fig.74, for a smilar pair which the author has identified as Louis XIV and Mme de Maintenon.
For a smiliar pair, cf. T.O.C.S., vol.22, pl.27, fig.91, where the male figure is holding a royal baton which is usually missing. Also cf. D. F. Scheurleur, op. cit., for a related pair in which the male figure holds a hat

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