Rare Monumental Pair Of Vion & Baury French Bisque Porcelain Sculptures, 60 Cm, C. 1870s

Rare Monumental Pair of Vion & Baury French Bisque Porcelain Figures, Paris, Circa 1870, 60 cm

This superb and highly impressive pair of large 19th-century French bisque porcelain figures was crafted by the prestigious Vion & Baury manufactory in Paris around 1870. Modelled in exquisite detail and finished with soft naturalistic hand-painting, these monumental pieces depict a romantic pastoral scene of a barefoot shepherd boy with goats and a shepherdess with a lamb.

Both figures are remarkable for their grand scale and commanding presence, making them true statement pieces. Standing at nearly 60 cm tall, they would serve as the focal point of any room, ideal for period interiors, grand salons, or as centrepieces in fine decorative collections.

The boy wears a soft blue waistcoat over an ivory shirt and delicately striped breeches, while cradling a kid goat and interacting tenderly with two goats at his feet. The girl, dressed in pastel shades of pink, lilac, and fresh green, carries a hat and a gathered apron overflowing with flowers, while a lamb affectionately looks up at her side. In her left arm, she gently holds a bird’s nest filled with chicks. Their gentle expressions, fluid postures, and finely detailed costumes speak to the extraordinary artistry typical of Vion & Baury's production.

Executed in matte bisque porcelain with delicate enamelling in pastel tones—sky blue, lilac, soft green, creamy white, and accents of rose and yellow—the figures rest upon ornate Rococo-style scrollwork bases adorned with garlands, gilding, and intricate floral reserves. The subtle, almost velvety finish of the bisque porcelain gives the figures a lifelike softness and enhances their romantic aesthetic.

Both pieces are marked to the underside with the raised blue 'VB' pad mark, authenticating their origin.

Historical Background

Vion & Baury ranked among the finest Parisian porcelain manufacturers of the mid-to-late 19th century, renowned for their highly detailed bisque figures and refined artistic quality. Their creations, often inspired by Rococo and Romantic themes, produced lavish decorative pieces that were highly sought after by Europe's aristocracy and discerning collectors. Large-scale examples such as these are rare today and are particularly prized for their craftsmanship, beauty, and historical significance.

The manufactory was led by Théodore Désiré Vion (1820–1889) and Charles Martial Baury (1827–1879), who succeeded the celebrated porcelain workshop of Jean-Marie Gille after 1868. Baury, previously Gille’s chief modeller, brought exceptional sculptural skill to the partnership, while Vion steered the company’s artistic direction. Together, they became known for intricately modelled figures and sophisticated decorative wares. During the 1870s, Vion & Baury achieved international acclaim, winning gold medals at the Paris World's Fairs of 1878 and 1883. After Baury's death, Vion continued the firm's success until its closure in 1889. Today, their work remains a benchmark of excellence in 19th-century French porcelain.

Measurements
Height (boy): 57 cm / 22.4″
Base (boy): 27 × 27 cm / 10.6″ × 10.6″
6850 g

Height (girl): 59 cm / 23.2″
Base (girl): 27 × 27 cm / 10.6″ × 10.6″
7100 g

Condition
Both figurines are in very good antique condition with minor signs of age consistent with their period. Crisp modelling, vibrant pastel colours, and well-preserved detail throughout. The shepherdess displays a broken flower on her shoulder, minor losses to the sheaves of wheat, and a stabilized crack across the base that has been reinforced with adhesive; the crack is barely visible externally. A small bird that originally perched on her shoulder is now missing. Minor firing cracks, typical of 19th-century porcelain production, are also present. The shepherd figure shows a small stabilized crack at the base and minor firing imperfections. These age-related details are unobtrusive and do not detract from the impressive beauty, scale, or presentation of the pair, which remains in excellent overall display condition.

Shipping & Packaging
Fully tracked and insured delivery.
Due to the substantial weight, the figures will be shipped separately to ensure safe transit.
Shipping cost includes professional packaging, handling, and postage.
Carefully packed using recycled materials.
Customs paperwork provided where necessary for smooth international delivery.

Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description and feel free to ask any questions.