Resignation

Artist: Modeled by William Calder Marshall, R.A., England, Minton (Stoke-on-Trent, England)
Year: September 1865
Medium: Parian, Shape 338
Size: Height - 14″, Length - 11 1/4″
Original Location: Central Parlor

2014.03.13 BMA Purchase

Minton is considered the most important maker of Parian. Judging from the date of manufacture Adelicia would have purchased this statue on the Grand Tour. On her return to Nashville she placed it in her Central Parlor.

William Calder Marshall (1813-1894) He started studying art in 1830. He spent two years in Rome in 1836 – 1838 before settling permanently in London. He exhibit at the Royal Scottish Academy and at the Royal Academy in London. In 1852 he started teaching at the Royal Academy until 1890.

The inspiration for Resignation is unknown. From current research it appears while Marshall modeled this piece it was never carved into marble. This may indicate that it was done specifically for Minton to be produce in Parian. Minton had already been making figures in bisque since the mid-1820s. The first shape list for Minton was published in 1852 with a second list in 1859. Judging by the shape number of 336 Resignation was in production well after 1852 and by 1859. This piece was also made in Majolica by Minton.

In simple terms Parian is a highly vitrified bisque porcelain. Vitrification is where elements in the clay melt to form a hard surface. Minton was the first company to market this porcelain with the name Parian around 1845. Other companies were using the name statuary porcelain. Parian was named after the white marble of Paros. It is impossible today to say who and when Parian was discovered, invented or develop. Copeland was experimenting with producing improved bisque in the early 1840s. The Art Union Magazine wrote in 1846 about the new statuary porcelain’s “lustrous” and transparent qualities. The writer felt it rival the best alabaster. The major improvement over bisque besides its looks was its durability. Unlike bisque and to a less extent marble it was impervious to moisture and dirt. The second firing of Parian produced a finish that could be cleaned with soap and water.