Object Description
A late 19th century glazed buff terracotta mask head of a putto or cherub by Lipscombe & Co, modelled after Francois Duquesnoy (1597-1643).
The expressive face of this antique sculpture certainly leaves an impression on its audience, with the potential to be displayed as a decorative piece inside a home or part of a collection of sculptures from the same period.
Made from glazed stoneware and over life-size, the cherub is modelled with an open mouth, curling hair and drapery to its neck, looking slightly to the righthand side.
Francois Dequesnoy (1597-1643)
Dequesnoy was a Flemish Roman sculptor whose work helped to counter the influence of the more extravagantly emotional art prevailing in the 17th century Rome.
In 1618, he travelled to Rome and for 10 years was engaged in the restoration of classical sculpture.
Lipscombe & Co.
Lipscombe & Co., also recognised under the name London Pottery, was founded in 1878 and ran by the Lipscombe family.
The company in fact specialised in the production of water filters, due to the impurities in water from taps etc at the time. The business was so successful, it expanded by building a pottery at Brampton. This was the largest near Chesterfield according to a newspaper clipping from District News in 1866. At this time, the owner was Frederick Limpscombe.
James Pearson purchased the pottery company in 1886 and connected the works by railway to his Oldfield operation.
By 1931, production ceased.
Additional dimensions
Base diameter 28cm (11.02 in)