Equestrian figures are particularly impressive. They wow not only the eye but also the mind, for one must marvel at the technical challenges their manufacture posed. This handsome figure of Hudibras is no exception.
Hudibras was a goofy, zealous knight in a satirical poem of the same name set during England's Civil War. Samuel Butler wrote Hudibras in three parts between 1663 and 1678. In 1721 and 1726, William Hogarth illustrated new editions of Hudibras and these remained popular for another century. The Staffordshire figure of Hudibras was inspired by Hogarth’s engraving of Hudibras leading Caldero—he captured the latter at a bear baiting. Hogarth's images were popular for many more decades and in turn they inspired earthenware look alikes.
Hudibras, Triumphant published by G& I Robinson in 1802
Staffordshire figures of Hudibras are generally of the same form. The molds were made by the Wood family in the late 18th century. John Wood lists a Hudibras decorated in colored glazes in his order book for 1786 and enamel-painted versions could date from around that time. Now I know it's all a matter of taste, but I prefer the enamel version hands down. The colored glazes are too insipid for such a dramatic figure. And the early, soft enamels on Andrew Dando's Hudibras are simply delicious, aren't they?