Condition: Used
Condition Notes: This antique porcelain figurine is in acceptable condition, showing signs of age and prior repair. There is a visible repair to the neck area, indicating a previous break. Additionally, there are chips and losses to the delicate floral applications on her dress and the ribbon in her hair. Minor paint wear is also present, particularly on the gold accents. The overall structure is stable despite the repair, with no further cracks to the main body of the figurine or the base.
Country of Origin: Germany
Antique: Yes
Material: Porcelain
Subject: Muse Terpsichore
Colour: Multicoloured
Brand: German
Type: Figurine
Era: Victorian (1837-1900)
Original/Licensed Reproduction: Original
Production Style: Art Pottery
Time Period Manufactured: 1850-1899
Production Technique: Pottery
Backstamp: Impressed
Handmade: Yes
This exquisite antique porcelain figurine likely represents a classical Muse, possibly Terpsichore, the Muse of dance and choral song, depicted holding what appears to be a scroll and a lyre (or a similar musical instrument). She is adorned in a beautifully draped, flowing gown with delicate floral patterns in muted tones, and wears classical sandals. Standing on a rocky base, the figurine captures a graceful and artistic essence. The underside of the base shows an impressed mark that is not fully clear, characteristic of many antique porcelain pieces that may have had paper labels or less distinct impressed marks.
Product Details:
Type: Antique Decorative Porcelain Figurine / Classical Muse
Material: Porcelain
Color: Light Blue, Yellow, Purple, Red, Gold Floral Accents
Features: Lady holding scroll and musical instrument (lyre), classical attire, floral decoration, rocky base
Height: Approximately 18.5 cm (7.25 inches)
Weight: 131 grams
Markings: Impressed mark on base (partially obscured/unclear), possibly "L1" and other numbers
Design Highlights:
The figurine's design is inspired by classical antiquity, with the lady's flowing gown and her stance suggesting movement and artistic expression. Her dress features a light blue top half with delicate floral patterns, transitioning to a yellow lower half, also adorned with flowers. A draped sash in purple and white adds further detail. She holds a scroll in one hand and a goldcolored musical instrument in the other, embodying the attributes of a Muse. Her hair is elegantly styled with a red ribbon, completing her classical appearance.
Condition:
This antique porcelain figurine is in acceptable condition, showing signs of age and prior repair. There is a visible repair to the neck area, indicating a previous break. Additionally, there are chips and losses to the delicate floral applications on her dress and the ribbon in her hair. Minor paint wear is also present, particularly on the gold accents. The overall structure is stable despite the repair, with no further cracks to the main body of the figurine or the base.
About Antique Porcelain Muse Figurines:
Figurines depicting Muses and other classical figures were popular subjects for porcelain manufacturers from the 18th century through the early 20th century, particularly in renowned European factories like Meissen, Capodimonte, and others. These pieces reflected the enduring fascination with classical mythology and art, and were highly valued as decorative items in aristocratic and bourgeois homes. Often, such figurines were part of larger sets representing all nine Muses, or allegorical figures of arts and sciences. While the specific origin of this piece, with its unclear impressed mark, is not immediately identifiable, its style and craftsmanship are consistent with the quality of antique European porcelain. The presence of such a figurine speaks to a history of artistic appreciation and classical influence in interior decor.
