Worcester Parian Porcelain Figurine Kerr & Binns C1860 Faust & Margaret

The Worcester Parian figurine of Faust and Margaret, crafted by Kerr & Binns around 1860, is a remarkable piece of ceramic art. It was modeled by William Boynton Kirk and depicts Faust gazing over Margaret's shoulder as she plucks petals from a flower. The figures are adorned with delicate gilt lines on their clothing edges, adding to their elegance.

This figurine is highly sought after by collectors and is considered a fine example of Parian ware, which was known for its marble-like appearance and intricate detailing.

The figurine measure 12 & 3/4" or 32.5cm height and weighs 1.6kgs. 

Condition; Inspection found the piece is in very good condition with just a small loss to a petal on  Margaret's garland. 

Bio;

The characters Faust and Margaret (often called Gretchen in German) come from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's famous play, Faust. It's a tale of ambition, temptation, love, and tragedy, and it's widely regarded as one of the greatest works of German literature.

Here’s a quick summary of their story:

Faust is a scholar who feels disillusioned with life and craves deeper meaning. He makes a pact with Mephistopheles, a devilish figure, trading his soul for unlimited knowledge and worldly pleasures. Mephistopheles leads Faust to Margaret, a simple, innocent young woman, and Faust falls deeply in love with her.

Their relationship becomes a tumultuous tragedy. Faust’s selfish desires and the manipulations of Mephistopheles lead to Margaret’s downfall. She faces heartbreak, the loss of her family, and societal judgment, culminating in her imprisonment. Despite her suffering, Margaret refuses to abandon her faith, and at the story’s climax, she achieves salvation. Faust, however, continues his journey, haunted by the consequences of his actions.

This tale explores profound themes such as the struggle between good and evil, redemption, and the human quest for meaning. It has inspired countless adaptations in literature, opera, and art—including this Parian figurine.