Rare Derby Porcelain Figure Cupid In Disguise Moneylender With Birds

A good Derby figure of Cupid from the series known as "Cupids In Disguise", dressing up as seventeen varying identities, as a bewigged lawyer, lady's maid, chimney sweep, wounded soldier and so on. One is "Cupid as a Money-Lender" holding in most examples a purse in one hand and some coins aloft in the other. This example is an unusual variation where the purse has been replaced with a pair of lovebirds. He stands on a scrolled base with a small bocage. Dressed in an aqua and puce floral decorated stole held with a sash and finished with a ruff around his neck. Nicely painted in bright pastels with some gilt detail to the base and the coins. Patch marks, c.1770.

Another example of this lovebird Cupid is held at the National Trust collection at Tatton Park, reference NT 129675

It measures 20.5cm (8 1/8") high and 10.5cm (4 1/8") by 7cm (2 3/4") wide.

In excellent condition: he is missing the tip of his right little finger hidden under the birds. This had been repaired at some point and then the tip lost again. There is also a very tiny scuff to the tip of his big toe, glaze loss only. The bocage is in very good condition with only a few minor losses to a few petals. No other damage, repair or restoration. There is a short firing fault above his left wing. Minimal handling wear, the enamels and gilding nice and bright.