Figure of the Day: Earth, 1772-1775

Earth
Bristol Porcelain Factory, 1772-1775
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Made between 1772 and 1775, this hard-paste porcelain figure is the work of the Bristol Porcelain Factory. Painted in enamels, we have a figure of Earth as a young man with a cloak of dark brown thrown over his shoulders. His sleeveless tunic is adorned with a floral design and, on his feet, he wears purple sandals. His attributes, appropriate for his role, are a basket of produce, a rake and a hoe.

This is one of four figures—emblematic of the Elements: Earth, Wind, Fire and Water—which were produced during the early 1770s by the Bristol factory.