Museum number
P23
Object
Figure of Catherine 'Kitty' Clive, Bow Porcelain Factory, soft-paste porcelain, about 1750
Description
Figure of the actress Kitty Clive, English, Bow Factory, c. 1750. Soft-paste porcelain. The figure modelled from an engraving by Charles Mosley, published 1750, showing the actress in the role of "The Fine Lady" in David Garrick's farce, Lethe. The figure is standing, dressed in a lace cap and ruffle around her neck, lace trimmed jacket with double ruffles of lace on sleeves, a loose hangin "sack" back to the jacket,a stomacher with diagonal ribbons, and a broad skirt over panniers arranged in deep folds, the left arm outstretched and hand holding a fold of the skirt, the right arm folded around a small dog tucked in against the side of her jacket,one foot appearing in pointed shoe, on a flat base decorated with an incised pattern, the whole figure left in the white and glazed.
Materials
Porcelain
Inscription
None
On display?
Yes

Further description

Simple name
Ceramic
Dimensions
regular: 25.4cm (w)
Kitty Clive as The Fine Lady Bow Porcelain Factory Soft-paste porcelain, about 1750 P23 Purchased by the Holburne Society in memory of James Calder, 1946 This figure and its companion (John Woodward, museum number P443) are probably the earliest full-length portrait figures in English porcelain. It shows Catherine ‘Kitty’ Clive (1711–1785), one of the most famous actresses of the time, in the character of Mrs Riot or The Fine Lady in David Garrick’s satrical play Lethe.

Please help us improve our records. Let us know if there are any errors by writing to curators@holburne.org