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Lot Essay
The present figures are based on a prototype likely modeled for the Chelsea factory by the Flemish sculptor Joseph Willems (c. 1715-1766) in 1758-1760. A possibly unique set of these massive figures in Chelsea soft paste porcelain, each approximately 30 inches high, was sold at Christie's King Street - Boulle to Jansen: An Important Private Collection; Christie's, London, 11-12 June 2003, lot 56.
See Arthur Lane, English Porcelain Figures of the 18th Century, 1961, pls. 22B and 23B for the related table-size Chelsea models and Peter Bradshaw, Derby Porcelain Figures 1750-1848, 1990, pls. 249 and 298, for the related Derby models. A set similar to the present examples was sold anonymously, Christie's, New York, 19 May 2004, lot 15.
See Arthur Lane, English Porcelain Figures of the 18th Century, 1961, pls. 22B and 23B for the related table-size Chelsea models and Peter Bradshaw, Derby Porcelain Figures 1750-1848, 1990, pls. 249 and 298, for the related Derby models. A set similar to the present examples was sold anonymously, Christie's, New York, 19 May 2004, lot 15.