Fisherman's wife

Date1752-1758

Artist/Maker Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory (1745-1769)

MediumSoft-paste porcelain

DimensionsH: 8"; W: 4"; D: 4 1/16"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1962-305

DescriptionFigure of a woman standing on a rockwork base with applied flowers and leaves. She is wearing a white bonnet and shawl over a light fawn-colored dress, holding up the skirt with her left hand to show the olive green lining which matches the cuffs. On her feet are black shoes with gold buckles. She is holding before her, and attached to her waist by a black strap, a flat green basket with four fish.

Red anchor period.
Label TextThis figure was modeled by the most gifted and best known of the Chelsea sculptors, Joseph Willems, who designed for the factory from about 1748 to 1766, when he returned to Tournai. Only two or three examples of the fisherman's wife are recorded. This figure is one of the few believed to be original at Chelsea. Although it forms a pair with a fisherman also modeled by Willems, they were not sold together in 1755; the fisherwoman is listed in two lots paired with a carpenter. The fisherman and his wife are twice paired in the 1756 sale.
InscribedAnchor painted in red on back of base.
MarkingsNone
ProvenanceEx. Coll: :Mr. and Mrs. Sigmund Katz, New Orleans, Tilley & Co., London

Exhibition(s)

Revolution in Taste