This impressive pair of 19th-century French bisque porcelain figures was made by the prestigious Vion & Baury manufactory in Paris around 1870. Modelled in fine detail and finished with naturalistic pastel enamelling, the figures depict a romantic pastoral scene of a young shepherd boy and girl with their animals.
Standing 57 cm and 59 cm tall respectively, these large-scale figures are true statement pieces. Ideal for period interiors, grand salons, or as centrepieces in a refined decorative collection, they reflect the technical and artistic excellence for which Vion & Baury became known.
The boy is shown cradling a kid goat while interacting affectionately with two others at his feet. He wears a pale blue waistcoat, an ivory shirt, and striped breeches. The girl carries a hat and an apron overflowing with flowers, while a lamb gazes up at her side. She also holds a bird’s nest filled with chicks in her left arm. Their gentle expressions and fluid poses showcase the skilled sculptural work typical of the factory’s best production.
Executed in matte bisque porcelain with delicate pastel tones—sky blue, soft pink, lilac, fresh green, creamy white, and accents of rose and yellow—the figures rest on Rococo-style scrollwork bases, decorated with floral garlands and gilded detailing. The velvet-like finish of the bisque enhances the softness and romanticism of the scene.
Both figures bear the raised blue 'VB' pad mark to the underside, authenticating their origin with Vion & Baury.
Height (boy): 57 cm / 22.4″
Base (boy): 27 × 27 cm / 10.6″ × 10.6″
Weight (boy): 6850 g
Height (girl): 59 cm / 23.2″
Base (girl): 27 × 27 cm / 10.6″ × 10.6″
Weight (girl): 7100 g
Both figures are in very good antique condition with minor signs of age. Crisp modelling and vibrant colours are well-preserved throughout. The shepherdess has a broken flower on her shoulder, small losses to the sheaves of wheat, and a stabilised crack across the base reinforced with adhesive, barely visible externally. A small bird that originally perched on her shoulder is now missing. Minor firing cracks, typical of 19th-century porcelain, are present. The shepherd figure shows a small stabilised crack at the base and minor firing imperfections. These age-related details do not detract from the beauty, scale, or presentation of the pair.
