Derby Porcelain Figurines Representing "ranelagh Dancers", Circa 1760-65. Rare.

These are exquisite porcelain figurines, known as the 'Ranelagh Dancers', made by Derby between 1760 and 1765, during the Rococo period. The two figures are depicted in dancing poses, dressed in brightly colored clothing typical of the period, with floral groves behind them on scrolled molded bases. On 24 May 1759, a masquerade ball was held in Ranelagh Gardens, Vauxhall, to celebrate the birthday of Frederick George, Prince of Wales. The colorful and sometimes bizarre costumes worn by guests inspired a number of prints, paintings and figurines. While the Chelsea factory produced a large number of figurines depicting the guests at the ball, Derby produced only this pair, which were not subsequently reproduced. The "Ranelagh Dancers" were a popular pair of figurines inspired by this famous masked ball. These dancers were made with exceptional care; their physical postures, noble expressions and beautiful clothing demonstrate the highest level of execution. Figurines of this type were used to adorn the table at dessert time, the groups of figurines expressing something about the host and guests. The figurines bear no markings, as is generally the case with pieces from this period. Only "crest marks" are present on the bases. These figurines belong to what we call the "patchmarked" era. An image and description can be found in Peter Bradshaw's book Derby Porcelain Figures 1750-1848. The origins of Derby porcelain manufacturing date back to the late 1740s, when Andrew Planché, a Huguenot refugee from Wallonia, began making simple porcelain toys in the shapes of animals in his garden. In 1756, the Staffordshire enameler William Duesbury and the banker John Heath joined Planché to establish a new porcelain factory. This factory became the largest of its time, taking over the bankrupt Chelsea and Bow factories and the stocks of several other workshops, including that of James Giles. The combination of diverse traditions, porcelain skills and a discerning clientele allowed Duesbury to create one of the finest porcelain factories of the 18th and 19th centuries, which, after many vicissitudes, is still in operation today . Dimensions: Women: height 24.5 cm, width 14 cm, depth 11 cm. Weight: 775 grams. Men: Height 26.5 cm, width 15 cm, depth 11 cm. Weight: 918 grams. Condition of conservation: These figurines are of great interest to collectors of Derby porcelain. The "Ranelagh Dancers" figurines are a dream for any collector of antique Derby porcelain. It is very difficult to find high quality figurines that are 250 years old. The quality of this pair is all the more surprising. I will list the small, almost imperceptible imperfections that I managed to find using a magnifying glass: Small chips on some leaves. Small losses of gilding on the base. Some very small firing cracks, common and generally unavoidable in 18th century porcelain production. On the base, in front of the left foot of the male and female figures, there is a small area that appears to have been treated with fire. I don't know what it is and this is the first time I've seen it. This "burn" is almost imperceptible and in no way affects the integrity of the sculptures. Otherwise, the figurines are in excellent condition. If we ignore the flaws mentioned above, these figures can be considered faultless. Please study the photographs accompanying the figurines carefully, as they form an integral part of this description.