Female gardener (one of a pair) 1755 - 1770

This porcelain figure was crafted by the Derby Porcelain Manufactory in the late 18th century. At first glance, we see a woman adorned with flowers, carrying a basket overflowing with nature's bounty. The floral motif, however, is not merely decorative. Flowers, throughout art history, have symbolized life’s fleeting beauty and the cyclical nature of existence. Think of Botticelli's "Primavera," where Flora scatters blossoms, embodying renewal. Here, the gardener embodies a similar sentiment. But there's more. The act of gathering, of collecting, is deeply rooted in our collective psyche. It speaks to a primal need to nurture and provide. Even in the modern era, we see echoes of this impulse, a yearning to connect with the earth. This figure, therefore, is not just a gardener; she represents a profound connection to life, beauty, and the rhythms of nature.