William Boyton Kirk, Parian Figurine "Evangeline," Worcester, C. 1853.

This rare antique Parian figurine depicts a young woman seated in repose on a grassy bank, draped in a cloak. The figure, named Evangeline, is inspired by the heroine of Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie, a poem written by American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in 1847. The poem follows an Acadian girl, Evangeline, on her quest to find her lost love, Gabriel, during the expulsion of the Acadians by the British. The poem greatly influenced both Acadian history and identity in the 19th and 20th centuries. It represents themes of lost love, heartbreak, and enduring hope.

Evangeline is portrayed as a beautiful, almost divine young woman. She is a dutiful daughter and a beloved member of her community. After marrying Gabriel, the Acadian exile tragically separates them. She spends the rest of her life wandering and waiting for him, only to find him dying of smallpox in the end. Evangeline holds him in her arms as he passes, thanking God for reuniting them. They are buried beside each other, symbolising eternal love and devotion.

Parian porcelain, a material resembling marble from Paros, Greece, gained great attention at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London. Introduced at Worcester in 1853, Parian was favoured for producing affordable, marble-like sculptures that only required one firing. This material was highly sought after by the rising middle classes of Victorian England. Many pieces depicted sentimental, heroic, or mythological subjects, and figure modelling became a notable part of Worcester's output during the 1850s.

William Boyton Kirk (1824–1900), an Irish sculptor, worked for Worcester from 1852, where he designed several pieces, including the "Shakespeare" dessert service exhibited at the 1853 Dublin Exhibition. He also illustrated Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream (1853 edition) and became a vicar later in life. Kirk’s artistry is recognised in the figurine, with his name, W. Boyton Kirk, impressed on the base.

Dimensions: Height 34 cm, Width 36 cm, Depth 17 cm.Weight 4116 grams.

Condition: During firing, small cracks appeared on the left elbow and the middle of the sculpture, typical of firing process defects. These cracks are subtle and blend with the overall design, making them nearly invisible. A minor tip of a plant leaf is also broken but barely noticeable. Otherwise, the sculpture is in excellent antique condition and stands as a notable work by this distinguished Irish artist.

Please examine the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of the description. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. Shipping costs include labour, packaging, and postage.