England, London, Chelsea / c. 1775
Pair of Candelabra Depicting Allegorical Figures of Liberty and Matrimony
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Pair of Candelabra Depicting Allegorical Figures of Liberty and Matrimony as ceramic (England, London, Chelsea · c. 1775).
The canopy of foliage surrounding these figures was inspired by the arbors popular in theatrical stage designs during the mid-1700s.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this ceramic as soft-paste porcelain and credits Derby Porcelain Factory (Chelsea-Derby Period, 1770–84).
The museum's collection notes: This pair of allegorical figures depicts the attributes of solitude and marriage as a shepherd and shepherdess adorned in richly patterned designs. Here “Liberty” (the shepherd), is accompanied by a dog and a bird that perches on his outstretched arm. In contrast “Matrimony” (the shepherdess) holds a birdcage in one hand and subtly directs the viewer’s gaze toward the sheep resting nearby with the other.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtPair of Candelabra Depicting Allegorical Figures of Liberty and MatrimonyOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.