19th Century Minton Parian Sculpture "Tragedy" by John Bell

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For the actor, thespian, dramaturge, director, Shakespearean, or theater lover in your life, whether it's you or someone else...

This … Read more For the actor, thespian, dramaturge, director, Shakespearean, or theater lover in your life, whether it's you or someone else...

This is a rare Victorian statue of "The Muse of Tragedy" (often simply called "Tragedy") modeled by British sculptor John Bell for Minton's in England. It is one of the earliest sculptures to be cast in the new Parian porcelain medium. Parian (named for the famed Paros marble used in ancient Greek sculpture) was invented circa 1842 to provide the look of marble in more accessible smaller pieces for the growing middle-class market. This one shows "Tragedy" with a dramatic emotional expression and classical drapery. At the base are depicted a bouquet of flowers with a snake and dagger below it, a Shakespearian reference to Lady Macbeth's iconic line "Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under't." The underside bears the Minton ermine mark (three dots and three strokes) and the triangle indicates the maker's mark, mid-1800s.

You may be able to tell from the photos that this is quite a nicely substantial piece--hefty yet also table ready at 15" high x 10" wide x 7" deep. The modeling is also superb. Look at the hand and feet details as well as the complexity of the cloth drapery on the figure. It is definitely a striking conversation starter as well. See less