Victorian, circa 1860 Staffordshire ''Death of the lion Queen'' figure modeled as Ellen Bright the lion trainer. Niece of George Wombwell, the menagerist, in 1850 whilst performing in Chatham with a lion and tiger (decorated as leopard) the latter seized her by the throat and killed her before she could be rescued. The affair led to the prohibition of such performances by women but the leading menageries continued to have ''lion kings''. Molded on a gilt titled base with a leopard standing on its hind legs to her left and a recumbent lion to her right. Vent hole to underside. Good. No cracks. No hairlines. Rubbing to gilt. Kiln effect: craze lines to her left arm and chest. Repair to hat feathers. Restored chip to leopard''s left ear and hip. Retouching to the leopard''s markings, lion''s mane and right eye, Ellen''s left eye and skirt hem. 14ins high

Antique Porcelain & Pottery
Antique Figurines & Statues