Own a rare piece of 19th-century English art history with this genuine antique Victorian Staffordshire figural statue, manufactured by renowned potter Sampson Smith circa 1850–1860. This historic, full-color earthenware flatback figurine depicts the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns alongside his paramour Mary Campbell ("Highland Mary") standing before a stylized tree trunk and a sheaf of wheat. The lower base features the hand-enameled, raised title "BURNS AND HIS MARY" on a gilded plaque. This specific mold is officially cataloged in P.D. Gordon Pugh’s historical text Staffordshire Portrait Figures (p. H578, pl. 12, fig. 47). Based on the accompanying measuring tools, this substantial statue stands approximately 11.25 inches in height, 7 inches in width, and 3.5 inches in depth. It has a beautiful, authentic press-molded flatback silhouette designed perfectly for traditional fireplace mantel display.
This 170+ year old museum-quality antique is in wonderful historic condition with no major chips, structural cracks, or restorations. It shows honest, age-appropriate flaking to the overglaze black enamel features (such as the hair and shoes) and expected fading to the original gold gilt accent lines. There is minor manufacturing glaze roughness along the upper rim of the hollow tree opening and light firing blemishes common to mid-19th-century earthenware. Please see all photos for exact condition.
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