Figure of John Bull 25 - 1881

This is a porcelain figure of John Bull, created by the Worcester Royal Porcelain Company. Immediately striking is its monochrome palette, primarily white, accented by delicate gold lines that articulate the figure's form. The artist uses this limited palette to draw attention to the figure's shape and texture. Note the smooth, almost creamy surface of the porcelain contrasting with the sharp, precise lines of the gold detailing. This contrast creates a dynamic visual tension, highlighting both the opulence and the underlying structure of the piece. Consider how the artist has used the material properties of porcelain and gold to engage with broader cultural ideas about wealth, power, and national identity. The figure challenges fixed notions of representation and invites ongoing interpretation.