Rare & Highly Collectable Pair of Antique (Circa Mid 1800’s) Staffordshire Pottery Flatbacks

These porcelain figurines are Staffordshire pottery flatbacks from the mid-19th century (circa 1840–1860). They depict the famous Georgian actor David Garrick as Richard III in William Shakespeare's play Richard III. The figurines capture a pivotal dramatic moment known as the tent scene before the Battle of Bosworth Field. In this scene, the King is depicted waking from a nightmare after being haunted by the ghosts of those he murdered. The design is based on a 1745 painting by William Hogarth, which was widely reproduced in engravings. Garrick is shown in a "serpentine" line, a stretched "S" shape that Hogarth considered particularly graceful. One hand is raised in alarm while he reclines on a couch. He is framed by a bright orange-lined tent with a white peaked top. He typically wears a green or dark jacket with fur-trimmed edges and white breeches. These are called "flatbacks" because they were designed with unpainted, flat backs to sit flush against a fireplace mantelpiece. While single figures are common, finding a matching pair like the ones on sale here is considered extremely uncommon and rare and can increase the total value of the set. Because they were hand-painted by different potteries, you will see many colour variations in the lining of the tent and the actor's clothing across different examples. Considering their age, the figurines are in very good condition with no chips or cracks. Height: 20.5 cm, Length of base: 14.2 cm, Width of base: 6 cm