Large Copeland Parian Figure ‘go To Sleep’ – John Durham, 1862, Art Union Of London

This striking large-scale Parian ware figure, titled Go to Sleep, was sculpted by John Durham in 1862 and produced by Copeland for the Art Union of London. The figure depicts a barefoot young girl seated on a rugged rocky base, gently cradling a sleeping small dog in her arms while raising one finger to her lips in a timeless gesture of quiet and care.   The figure is masterfully modelled, showcasing Copeland’s finest Parian craftsmanship. The girl's delicate features and flowing hair are rendered with extraordinary softness, while the drapery of her simple gown falls in deep, fluid folds. The dog — likely a small breed such as a King Charles Spaniel or Skye Terrier, popular companion dogs of the Victorian period — is superbly detailed, its wavy coat and relaxed posture beautifully contrasting with the stillness of the girl.   The title Go to Sleep is moulded on a ribbon at the front of the base. To the reverse, the figure bears clear impressed marks: J. DURHAM S / 1862 / ART UNION OF LONDON, together with the COPELAND factory mark and a copyright stamp. This model is documented in Robert Copeland’s authoritative reference Parian: Copeland’s Statuary Porcelain (Antique Collectors’ Club, 2007, ISBN 1-85149-499-5), where it is listed as GP30.   The English sculptor John Durham acquired fame and attracted considerable attention during the mid-19th century with his sensitive and refined portrait busts, notably those of Queen Victoria, the celebrated soprano Jenny Lind, and many other distinguished figures. His ability to capture both likeness and emotional depth made his works highly prized in Victorian Britain.   Originally, the full-sized marble was exhibited at the Royal Academy and the International Exhibition in London in 1862. The reduced Parian model was distributed as prizes by the Art Union of London during 1863, 1864, and 1865, making surviving examples highly sought-after.     This is a particularly impressive, larger version of the figure, standing 47 cm tall and weighing over 5 kilograms, emphasising its sculptural presence and exceptional display quality.   Measurements   Height: 47 cm / 18.5″ Width: 22 cm / 8.66″ Depth: 24 cm / 9.45″ Weight: 5020 g Condition Excellent antique condition. No cracks or restorations. Light surface wear and minor soiling consistent with age, mostly to the base and underside. The Parian porcelain retains a soft, creamy hue, typical of fine Victorian statuary pieces.   Shipping & Packaging   Fully tracked and insured delivery   Shipping cost includes professional packaging, careful handling, and secure postage   Carefully packed using recycled materials where possible   Customs paperwork provided where necessary for smooth international delivery   Please review all photographs carefully as they form part of the description, and feel free to ask any questions.