Sphinx, one of a pair
Date1748-1751
Artist/Maker
Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory
(1745-1769)
OriginEngland, London
MediumSoft-paste porcelain
DimensionsH: 4 9/16"; Base: 5 7/8" X 3 1/4"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1962-57,1
DescriptionWhite figure of a sphinx with head (turned slightly to the right) and bust of young woman with one lock of hair falling behind and one in front of semi-draped shoulders; the body of a lion couchant with tasseled blanket; rectangular base.Triangle or raised anchor period.
Label TextThese figures are believed to represent the popular actress of the day, Peg Woffington (1718-1760). A number of unmarked models with a transitional or early raised anchor paste survive. Other Chelsea sphinxes are marked with triangle and raised anchor marks. Bow models of sphinxes, dating a few years later, are recorded in a more rococo form; a painting by Arthur Pound has been suggested as their design source. The inspiration for the earlier Chelsea models has not been substantiated, although it may have been an engraving of a sphinx by J. F. Blondel.
InscribedNo
MarkingsNo
ProvenanceEx coll: M.G. Kaufman, Chicago
1748-1751
1725-1726 (probably)
Probably 1832-1837
1792-1795 probably
Probably 1838-1842
ca. 1840
1749-1750