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Orpheus and Aphrodite Figurines, by Samson & Cie, France, Circa 1850
Sold by Gillers Antiques Ltd
Id #SA1136467
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Orpheus and Aphrodite Figurines, by Samson & Cie, France, Circa 1850

19th century
Sold 31 August 2025 · Gillers Antiques Ltd
This “Orpheus and Aphrodite Figurines, by Samson & Cie, France, Circa 1850” found a buyer.

It was listed by Gillers Antiques Ltd. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Description

This finely crafted porcelain pair, made by the French manufacturer Samson & Cie around 1850, represents two figures from classical Greek mythology: Orpheus, the legendary musician and poet, and Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty. Orpheus is shown nude, crowned with a laurel wreath and holding a lyre — the symbol of his divine musical gift. A golden scroll or garland in his other hand suggests his poetic inspiration. Aphrodite stands gracefully with a paddle (now broken) in her right hand and a flowing drape over her body, referencing her mythical birth from the sea and her connection to water. Both figures stand on pierced bases with rococo-style scrollwork, floral touches, and fine gilding. The undersides of both figures are marked with the underglaze blue “S over crossed swords”, a documented hallmark of Samson & Cie, confirming their origin. This mythological pair reflects the 19th-century fascination with Greek antiquity and is a fine example of the period’s artistic porcelain production. A rare and decorative addition to any collection of neoclassical or antique French porcelain.

Dimensions: height of both on average 14.5 cm, weight 312 grams.

Condition: Orpheus - chipped off the tip of the little finger of the right hand, there’s minor surface wear on the gold, otherwise excellent antique condition;

Aphrodite - chipped off the end of paddle, there’s minor surface wear on the gold, otherwise excellent antique condition

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. Free delivery worldwide.

Date of Manufacture

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated these Antique Porcelain Figurines to the 1850s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1136467
Description
This finely crafted porcelain pair, made by the French manufacturer Samson & Cie around 1850, represents two figures from classical Greek mythology: Orpheus, the legendary musician and poet, and Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty.
“
Orpheus is shown nude, crowned with a laurel wreath and holding a lyre — the symbol of his divine musical gift.
Gillers Antiques Ltd

A golden scroll or garland in his other hand suggests his poetic inspiration. Aphrodite stands gracefully with a paddle (now broken) in her right hand and a flowing drape over her body, referencing her mythical birth from the sea and her connection to water. Both figures stand on pierced bases with rococo-style scrollwork, floral touches, and fine gilding. The undersides of both figures are marked with the underglaze blue “S over crossed swords”, a documented hallmark of Samson & Cie, confirming their origin. This mythological pair reflects the 19th-century fascination with Greek antiquity and is a fine example of the period’s artistic porcelain production. A rare and decorative addition to any collection of neoclassical or antique French porcelain.

fig 1. Two hand-painted antique porcelain figures depicting mythological characters on round bases with gilt detailing.
fig 1. Orpheus and Aphrodite Figurines, by Samson & Cie, France, Circa 1850

Dimensions: height of both on average 14.5 cm, weight 312 grams.

Condition: Orpheus - chipped off the tip of the little finger of the right hand, there’s minor surface wear on the gold, otherwise excellent antique condition;

fig 2. Two hand-painted antique porcelain figures depicting mythological characters on round bases with gilt detailing.
fig 2. Orpheus and Aphrodite Figurines, by Samson & Cie, France, Circa 1850

Aphrodite - chipped off the end of paddle, there’s minor surface wear on the gold, otherwise excellent antique condition

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. Free delivery worldwide.

Date of Manufacture

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated these Antique Porcelain Figurines to the 1850s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1136467
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2023
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Gillers Antiques Ltd Profile Page

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Two hand-painted antique porcelain figures depicting mythological characters on round bases with gilt detailing. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
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Archive I Two hand-painted antique porcelain figures depicting mythological characters on round bases with gilt detailing. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Orpheus and Aphrodite Figurines, by Samson & Cie, France, Circa 1850

Archive II Two hand-painted antique porcelain figures depicting mythological characters on round bases with gilt detailing. View II
Archive III Two hand-painted antique porcelain figures depicting mythological characters on round bases with gilt detailing. View III
Archive IV Two hand-painted antique porcelain figures depicting mythological characters on round bases with gilt detailing. View IV
Archive V Two hand-painted antique porcelain figures depicting mythological characters on round bases with gilt detailing. View V
Archive VI Two hand-painted antique porcelain figures depicting mythological characters on round bases with gilt detailing. View VI
Archive VII Two hand-painted antique porcelain figures depicting mythological characters on round bases with gilt detailing. View VII
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Telephone 07738 009924
Location
Buckland House
Buntingford
Hertfordshire
SG9 0PY
United Kingdom
Verified Since Mar 2023
Items For Sale 398
Items Sold 580
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Verified Since Mar 2023
View Dealer Info
Location: Buckland House, Buntingford, Hertfordshire, SG9 0PY, United Kingdom
Verified
Mar 2023
For Sale
398
Sold
580
Two hand-painted antique porcelain figures depicting mythological characters on round bases with gilt detailing.
Orpheus and Aphrodite Figurines, by Samson & Cie, France, circa 1850
Ref: SA1136467
Two hand-painted antique porcelain figures depicting mythological characters on round bases with gilt detailing.
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDecorative Figurines
  • Period19th century
  • StyleNineteenth Century Revival
  • MaterialPorcelain, Enamel, Gold Gilt
  • ColourMulticolour
  • MotifsMythological figures, Hand-painted polychrome enamel, Gilt scrollwork bases, Classical drapery

Samson et Cie was a Parisian pottery firm established in the mid-nineteenth century, primarily known for producing high-quality reproductions and interpretations of ceramic pieces from famous factories such as Meissen, Chelsea, and Derby.

These decorative objects are crafted from hard-paste or soft-paste porcelain, shaped using detailed moulds, and finished with hand-painted enamel colours and gilt accents before being high-fired in a kiln.

Authentication involves examining the paste, the quality of the hand-painting, the style of any factory marks (such as imitation marks often used by Samson), and the natural signs of age and wear on the glaze.

These pieces can be displayed on a mantelpiece, within a glass-fronted cabinet, or styled on a side table to add a layer of historical interest and classical elegance to a room.

Maintenance requires dusting gently with a soft brush and occasionally cleaning with a damp cloth and mild soap if necessary, avoiding harsh chemicals or submersing pieces with painted or gilt details in water for extended periods.
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