Parian Bust, Schiller, Victorian

This fine Victorian bust of Schiller – after Shakespeare, considered to be the greatest European playwright of all time – has what appears to be 15/4 scribbled in pencil underneath.  If my assumption is right, it would imply it cost fifteen shilling and four pennies to buy when new. Parian was first produced in England in about 1840, making owning, what at the time was considered “High Art,” no longer merely the preserve of only the aristocracy, but also accessible to the middle classes. This bust has no maker’s mark to it, but was probably produced in Staffordshire. Its stands 28.5cm tall, and is free of cracks, chips and restoration. Please add R55 for postage.