Porcelain Figurine “umbrella Seller,” Samson, France, 1860

An exquisitely crafted antique porcelain figurine of the "Umbrella Seller," made by the Samson company in 1860. The base bears a Samson mark, commonly used on replicas of German porcelain. Samson replicated this figurine, with modified coloring, from an original supposedly modeled by Johann Wilhelm Götz in the mid-18th century. Götz worked for the Ludwigsburg porcelain factory in Germany, renowned for its artistic achievements.
In the 19th century, it was common for companies to occasionally create replicas of well-known works by their competitors. One such company was the French firm Samson, founded by the talented designer and copyist Edme Samson. Recognizing that only high-quality replicas, as excellent as the originals, could build fame and reputation, Samson developed a production process that allowed him to achieve the highest level of artistic craftsmanship. Even today, many experts find it challenging to attribute certain items definitively, a testament to Samson's remarkable skill. His works, despite the company’s closure in 1969, remain highly sought after by collectors.
Dimensions: Height 21.5 cm, width 10 cm, depth 10 cm, weight 618 grams.
Condition: Hands show overpainting, likely from a professional restoration; slight enamel loss on the hat, with minor paint scuffs in some areas. Otherwise, the piece is in very good antique condition.
Please examine the accompanying photographs carefully, as they are an integral part of this description. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. Please note that shipping costs include labor, packaging, and postage.