A STAFFORDSHIRE PORCELAIN FIGURE GROUP OF 'MR, VAN, AMBURGH'

CIRCA 1850, ATTRIBUTED TO JOHN AND REBECCA LLOYD OF SHELTON

Details

A STAFFORDSHIRE PORCELAIN FIGURE GROUP OF 'MR, VAN, AMBURGH'
Circa 1850, attributed to John and Rebecca Lloyd of Shelton
Modelled standing in a circus gladiator costume, a leopard climbing on his back and flanked by a lion and lioness, a small lamb at his feet, on an oval base, named in gilt on the front
6¼in. (15.8cm.) high

Literature

Manheim, pl. no. 69

Lot Essay

See Haggar, fig. 90; Oliver, p. 73, fig. IV and p. 128 fig. 170; and Pugh E461 B: fig. 200. Isaac Van Amburgh was a Louisville lion tamer who appeared before Queen Victoria at Drury Lane Theatre in 1838. Also known as the 'Brute Tamer of Pompeii', he thrilled crowds as he fearlessly wrestled wild ferocious cats and as a finale fulfilled the Biblical prophesy by having them lie meekly down beside a lamb. Also see Pugh, E460, pl. 90 for part of the playbill from the Drury Lane Theatre. See lot 107 for a related pair.

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