A rare Saint Cloud white figure of a cockerel circa 1745-50

modelled roosting on a rocky base molded with a flowerhead on either side.

Collection de M. Fitzhenry, sold, Hotel Drouot, December 15, 1909, lot 169
The Lesley and Emma Sheafer Collection, Bequest of Emma A. Sheafer, 1973

Collection de M. Fitzhenry, Catalogue des Porcelaines Tendres Anciennes Françaises & Étrangères, plate between pp. 14 and 15, lot 169
The French Porcelain Society Journal, Volume I, 2003, Andreine D'Agliano, "Some French Soft-Paste Animals from the Collections of the Dukes of Parma", p. 104, fig. 2, right

In good condition apart from several occasional pinhead chips and approximate 1-inch area with chipping to the edge of its crest and a tiny chip to the edge of its tail feather.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Andreina D'Agliano's article "Some French Soft-Paste Animals from the Collections of the Dukes of Parma" mentions and illustrates the present figure together with the other similar model, also from the Sheafer Collection, in the French Porcelain Society Journal, Volume 1, 2003, p. 104, fig. 2. Two other figures of cockerels, similar to the present examples, from the Collection of the Palazzo Reale in Turin are illustrated ibid., fig. 1, and belong to a group of other French soft-paste animal figures, all of which were made circa 1745-50 and are in the Collections of the Palazzo Reale and the Palazzo Pitti. According to D'Agliano, "a stag, a goat, and two cockerels in the Palazzo Reale, Turin, were originally part of the furnishings of the Royal Palace of Parma" and were possibly brought to Parma in 1749 by the Duke and Duchess of Parma (Don Filippo, Infante of Spain and Louise Élisabeth of France) following their marriage in 1748, ibid. p. 103. It is, however, unclear how and when these various figures, originally listed in the inventories of the Royal Palace of Parma, were divided between the two palaces, Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Pitti.

The design source for the present models carries striking similarities to a white Chinese export ewer in the shape of a cockerel, an example of which is illustrated in William R. Sargent, Treasures of Chinese Export Ceramics from the Peabosy Essex Museum, p. 205, cat. no. 97. Bertrand Rondot mentions in Discovering the Secrets of Soft-Paste Porcelain at the Saint-Cloud Manufactory, ca. 1690-1766, pp. 290-291 that European subjects were produced after 1730 and were influenced by models from the Sévres and Meissen manufactories. It is unknown whether another Meissen or French prototype for the present models existed.

Production of animal sculpture in soft-paste porcelain is generally rare, perhaps reflecting the challenges of the plasticity in this medium. Other Saint Cloud wares involving animal sculptures include snuffboxes with reclining animals, such as sheep, cats or dogs; several examples are illustrated ibid, p. 239, cat. nos. 193-199. 

Sotheby's would like to thank Selma Schwartz for assistance in the research of the present lot.