{"product_id":"rare-highly-collectable-pair-of-antique-circa-mid-1800-s-staffordshire-pottery-flatbacks","title":"Rare \u0026 Highly Collectable Pair of Antique (Circa Mid 1800’s) Staffordshire Pottery Flatbacks","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 36.0pt;\"\u003eThese 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 36.0pt;\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 36.0pt;\"\u003eThe design is based on a 1745 painting by William Hogarth, which was widely reproduced in engravings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 36.0pt;\"\u003eGarrick 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 36.0pt;\"\u003eThese 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. \u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eBecause 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 36.0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;\"\u003eConsidering their age, the figurines are in very good condition with no chips or cracks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: 36.0pt;\"\u003eHeight: 20.5 cm, Length of base: 14.2 cm, Width of base: 6 cm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Janet Mostert","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52487681736885,"sku":"D089","price":300.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0508\/9882\/9493\/files\/20260504_124040.jpg?v=1777893892","url":"https:\/\/www.prelovedgoodies.co.za\/products\/rare-highly-collectable-pair-of-antique-circa-mid-1800-s-staffordshire-pottery-flatbacks","provider":"Affordable Preloved Goodies","version":"1.0","type":"link"}