ANTIQUE POTTERY FIGURE OF NERO THE LION IN LUSTRE

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£2450

Dated: 1825 ENGLISH

A very rare antique English or Scottish pottery figure of the famous lion Nero in copper luster. This model of Nero is very rare and is usually found in pearlware.The figure in copper lustre is unrecorded in any of the standard references. EXHIBITION ....IF THESE POTS COULD TALK. Nero was perhaps the most friendly Lion held in captivity in the 1820,s who was used by Wombwell on a notorious occasion to have him baited by bull terriers. George Wombwell owner of the famous menagerie wagered £5000 sovereigns that his five year old Lion could outlast the onslaught from six British bulldogs. Sady Nero was one of the tamest lions one could meet and he even allowed his keepers to take rides on his back. Nero was a gentle soul and as Myrna Schkolne comments in her book, was at heart, an overgrown kitten. The actual baiting of Nero was an outrage as the tame beast displayed no aggression or defence to the attack from the dogs. Nero was bleeding so badly that Wombwell conceded defeat obviously not wishing the death of an expensive animal. The baiting of Nero created a public outcry and the protests led to banning baiting of animals in 1835. Wombwell the lion's tormentor died in 1850 and rather fittingly and somewhat ironically atop his gravestone lies a sleeping figure of Nero. This English pottery figure of Nero is a timeless tribute, it is a sad reminder of our rather barbaric past and also depicts the concern and affection of the nation for the King of all beasts. Just on a final point of interest it was recorded at the time of the baiting of Nero that there was not one woman present watching the sad saga. Need I say more?

Dimensions: 8.5 inches high, 9 inches wide

Current Condition: Restored

Literature: Myrna Schkolne tells the sad story of Nero in chapter 14 of her book People Passion,Pastimes and Pleasure Staffordshire Figures 1810-1835

£2450    $3307

Description

A very rare antique English or Scottish pottery figure of the famous lion Nero in copper luster.
This model of Nero is very rare and is usually found in pearlware.The figure in copper lustre is unrecorded in any of the standard references.

EXHIBITION ….IF THESE POTS COULD TALK.
Nero was perhaps the most friendly Lion held in captivity in the 1820,s who was used by Wombwell on a notorious occasion to have him baited by bull terriers.
George Wombwell owner of the famous menagerie wagered £5000 sovereigns that his five year old Lion could outlast the onslaught from six British bulldogs.
Sady Nero was one of the tamest lions one could meet and he even allowed his keepers to take rides on his back. Nero was a gentle soul and as Myrna Schkolne comments in her book, was at heart, an overgrown kitten. The actual baiting of Nero was an outrage as the tame beast displayed no aggression or defence to the attack from the dogs. Nero was bleeding so badly that Wombwell conceded defeat obviously not wishing the death of an expensive animal.
The baiting of Nero created a public outcry and the protests led to banning baiting of animals in 1835.
Wombwell the lion’s tormentor died in 1850 and rather fittingly and somewhat ironically atop his gravestone lies a sleeping figure of Nero.
This English pottery figure of Nero is a timeless tribute, it is a sad reminder of our rather barbaric past and also depicts the concern and affection of the nation for the King of all beasts. Just on a final point of interest it was recorded at the time of the baiting of Nero that there was not one woman present watching the sad saga. Need I say more?

Additional information

Dimensions 9 × 8.5 in