England, Bristol / c. 1775
Figures Depicting the Four Seasons
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Figures Depicting the Four Seasons as ceramic (England, Bristol · c. 1775).
Allegorical figures most often decorated a table during the dessert course, providing amusing subjects for conversation.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this ceramic as hard-paste porcelain and credits Bristol Porcelain Factory (British, 1770–81).
The museum's collection notes: In this group depicting the four seasons, a young boy in ice skates represents winter; a young lady adorns her hair with flowers in spring; a young man guards his beehive in summer; and a girl gathers fruit in autumn.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtFigures Depicting the Four SeasonsOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.