Oct 28, 2019
Jan 16, 2006
Jan 16, 2006
Oct 28, 2019
Oct 28, 2019
Oct 28, 2019
Oct 28, 2019

Figure of Autumn from the Four Seasons

Figure of Autumn from the Four Seasons

c. 1775

Part of a set. See all set records

maker

Bristol Porcelain Factory

(British, 1770–81)

Hard-paste porcelain

Overall: 28.4 x 16.2 x 13.7 cm (11 3/16 x 6 3/8 x 5 3/8 in.)

Bequest of Mary Warden Harkness 1917.611.1

Did you know?

Allegorical figures most often decorated a table during the dessert course, providing amusing subjects for conversation.

Description

The modern notion of childhood as a time of innocence and simplicity emerged during the second half of the eighteenth century. This understanding of adolescence led to numerous depictions of children as personifications of the four seasons. Here autumn is portrayed as a young girl playfully jostling her overskirt as she balances a basket of fruit against her hip. The grapes, plums, and apples filling her basket allude to a plentiful fall harvest.

See also
Collection: 
Decorative Arts
Type of artwork: 
Ceramic

Contact us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.

To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, a detail image, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.