Rare Derby Porcelain Figure Cupid With Doves & Key c.1770

A superb large Derby figure of Cupid stood on a mounded base against a trunk with small bocage. He is holding a pair of doves in his right hand and a gilded key aloft in his left. Dressed in an aqua and puce floral decorated stole held with a sash and finished with a ruff around his neck. Nicely painted in bright pastels with some gilt detail to the base and the key. Patch marks, c.1770.

Reference: Derby Porcelain Figures 1750-1848 by Stuart Shepherd for the DPIS, entry No. 261, described as "very rare". Another example of this Cupid is held at the National Trust collection at Tatton Park, reference NT 129675 where it is incorrectly described as a Cupid in Disguise variant of the moneylender.

It measures 20.5cm (8 1/8") high and 10.5cm (4 1/8") by 7cm (2 3/4") wide.

In excellent condition: he is missing the very tip of his right little finger hidden under the birds. This had been repaired at some point and then the tip lost again. The key in his other hand has suffered some small losses. There is also a very tiny scuff to the tip of his big toe, a tiny glaze loss only. The bocage is in very good condition with only a few minor losses to a few petals. No other damage, repair or restoration. There is a short firing fault above his left wing. Minimal handling wear, the enamels and gilding nice and bright.