Pair of Enoch Wood Pearl Ware Figures “Antony and Cleopatra”

Cleopatra and Mark Antony, in enamelled creamware. After a model by Ralph and Enoch Wood, and quite likely made by this important partnership. The figur...

A fine, rare pair of figures in black basalt from the Neale Manufactory. The Neale pottery was founded in 1778 and ran until around 1792. They made very fine wares, and were on good terms with Wedgwood, with whom they combined shipments to the continent. For two similar figures marked for Neale & Co. see Diana Edwards, Black Basalt, Wedgwood and Contemporary Manufacturers, Suffolk, 1994, p. 208, figs. 313 & 314. Cleopatra and Lucretia are two women from different time periods and historical contexts, but are linked by their importance in Roman history, as well as by their tragic ends. Cleopatra was a famous queen of ancient Egypt, who ruled from 51-30 BC. She was the last pharaoh of Egypt and is remembered for her intelligence, beauty, and political savvy. Cleopatra was involved in a romantic relationship with the Roman general and statesman, Julius Caesar, and later with the Roman general and politician, Mark Antony...