Pearlware Figure of Aphrodite & Eros, 'Venus and Cupid' Figure, circa 1790

Massive Staffordshire Pearlware Pottery Figure of Venus, circa 1810 The extremely large figure depicts Venus, Aphrodite of the Classical Greek legend. This model is of great rarity. Venus, is superbly painted, depicted in purple robes with green edging as she rise from the foam of the sea The condition is excellent. Only one other example is known- see below. Dimensions: 24 1/4 inches high x 8 1/2 inches wide x 8 inches deep See: Myrna Schkolne, Staffordshire Figures 1780-1840, Family, Friendship, Play, & Classical Subjects, Vol 4, Page 186, Figure 194.37 from the Collection of Arnold and Barbara Berlin, although this example is plainly decorated with a white dress with scattered flowers and a Greek Key border to the plain base. History of Venus Venus is the Roman goddess of love, beauty, pleasure, and procreation. She is the equivalent of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. Venus was born from the foam of the sea after Uranus, the sky god, was castrated by his son Cronus. She was carried to the island of Cythera by seashells and then to Mount Olympus, where she became the wife of Vulcan, the god of fire. Venus in Art Venus has been a popular subject for artists since ancient times. She is often depicted as a beautiful woman, nude or partially clothed, and is often accompanied by symbols of love and beauty, such as doves, roses, and apples. Some of the most famous depictions of Venus include the Venus de Milo, a marble sculpture from the 2nd century BCE, and the Venus of Urbino...

Staffordshire Pottery Figure of Bacchus With Cup on a Wine Barrel, 19th Century The charming figure depicts the figure of Bacchus with a grape and leaf wreath around his head sittin...

A good quality Leeds Pottery creamware figure group depicting Venus and Cupid with a large fish believed to date from the latter 19th century. The molded figure group stands raised on a square shaped base and is well modelled with nice detail with Venus dressed...

An important homage to love, this large black basalt figure is an impressive example of Wedgwood's artistry and imagination. Cupid, the ancient Roman god of love, is standing amongst billowing clouds with a pair of doves at his feet. Gazing towards earth with one hand shielding his eyes, the other hand holds an arrow. His bow and quiver rest at his side, ready to take aim. "CUPID" is etched into the base. Considered a crowning achievement of Wedgwood, black basalt was created by blending manganese with an iron-oxide rich slurry procured from coal mines called carr. In addition to the impressive color, this combination also provided additional strength and solidity. While it initially proved challenging to fire because of its weight, that same characteristic was advantageous in creating ornaments, lending stability to library...