Posted 14 years ago
Shelley
(5 items)
This statue has been in the family for quite a while but I find no information other than the reference to Pear's Soap and its advertising line. Very nice detail, but no identifying marks. I think it is a great piece!
There is reference to this design by G. Focardi as early as 1884. Google "Dirty Little Boy" and there is a lot of information although not specificaly on this variation...but it's a start !
Thanks for your response, for some reason I had never located an artist name so this was extremely helpful. I was aware of the Pear's link to the statue and was searching that line. A different perspective always helps. I learned quite a bit about the piece, but am wondering now about the medium. It must've been poured as opposed to chiseled because there is a hole in the bottom of the piece. Also, when shown in online photos of the original, the base is not circular as this is. I have much more research to do, it seems. Thank you so much though for your tip!
I have the same piece but in color! Blues, inks, black, browns and even some gold. It has been in my family forever and I also have been trying to research it. My family was from the Philly area. Where is your piece from? Mine has a very small blue criss-cross etched in bottom of base. I will try to post a photo. Didn't know about the Pears soap connection. Always thought it was some sort of advertising piece. Thanks!
I would love to see a photo and compare notes. I found the post and information that Savoychina1 wrote earlier very helpful. Follow the link re Focardi and you will get wonderful backround on the piece. This piece probably originated here in the Tampa, Florida area, although the family did have some roots in Oklahoma, so it could come from there as well. I believe that this is made out of Bisque. No identifying marks are on it, though.
I also have a similar piece, except mine has a rectangular octagon shaped base rather than round like yours. Found it once listed in advertising guide. It was listed as a store display for pears soap. I also have a large trade card with the same image on it. I love it because the expressions on both figures are so comical.
The original was exhibited at the 1878 Paris Exposition and was made by Giovanni Focardi, an Italian sculptor, who was living in London at the time. It was purchased by Pears Soap who used it extensively in their advertising over the next thirty plus years. You piece is probably slip moulded and also probably made in America since these were made all over the world for their local economies.
This is a striking piece. I really admire it. Where did you get it?
Hi This lady is my Great Great Grandmother Elizabeth Langley and the little boy is her grandson and they came from Croydon Surrey England you may contact me if you wish l live in Australia Eileen Anderson nee Langley
Eileen. I am researching a book on Pears prints and have quite a lot of info on Focadi's statue. He lived in Thornton Heath, Croydon. Do you have Elizabeth Langley's grandson's name?
Hi Pearsprint l am sorry that l had not answered but l really forgot about this site till l found it to day .My Gr Gr grand mother Elizabeth Langley also lived in Thornton Heath and that is where Giovanni Forardi was boarding Elizabeth had 4grandsons Albert,Alfred, Henry, and my granddad George it was either Albert or Alfred as the others were to young . If you read this please reply by emailing me eileen_edward@aapt.net.au regards Eileen