Painted French Pair of Terracotta Pastoral Figures

A fine and rare pair of stoneware figures representing Commerce and Knowledge, possibly produced by Doulton & Co. of Lambeth, England, the figure of Knowledge depicted as a youth, classically robed and seated on a tree trunk, with open book in proper left hand and stylus in proper right hand, the figure of Commerce depicted as a youthful Hermes, the Greek god of trade, commerce and communications, partially draped, wearing a winged helmet and holding a caduceus, standing alongside a barrel topped with a book and a money pouch, English, ca. 1870. Each figure 47 ins. high. Knowledge 20 ins. wide, 16 ins. deep. Commerce 20 ins. wide, 16 ins. deep. On associated composition stone square pedestals...

A composition stone figure of a gentleman, standing in long coat and knickers and wearing a wide-brim hat, his proper left hand grazing his chin, his pensive countenance with downwar...

A sensational and extremely decorative pair of French 19th century Terra Cotta statues. Each statue is raised by oblong-shaped bases with fine mottled bands decorated with lovely fol...

This charming pair of French terracotta statues depicts a male and female musician and was made during the latter half of the 1800s. Both statues have been stamped “GOSSIN PARIS” on the back sides. The Gossin factory in Paris was led by two brothers, Etienne (died in 1900) and Louis (1846-1928). The brothers regularly showed their wares at the official art exhibition of the Académie des Beaux-Arts, the Salon de Paris, where they would often bring home medals for outstanding quality works. They were very well known for their ornamental terra cotta fabrications which were exhibited all-over the country, where they also took home various medals. Both of these statues represent musicians siting upon rocky bases decorated with flowers, and our male musician has been depicted holding a “musette de cour”, which is a relative of the bagpipe. The female musician can be seen with a “vielle à roue” in her lap. A vielle à roue is a string instrument that produces sound when a crank is turned. The crank rotates a wheel that rubs against the strings. The sound can be compared to that of a violin. Place this elegant pair of 19th century terracotta musician statues...