A Derby 'tithe pig' bocage group late 18th century

the farmer and his wife offering their contributions to the vicar before a leafy green tree on a low oval mound base applied with clusters of flowerheads, incised No. 293.

Some minor chips and losses to the leaves of the bocage and the applied flowers of the base, The wife's left forearm is restored and has come loose again; very minor pinhead chip to the edge of the farmer's hat brim, an ear of the pig he holds and the top portion of his stick are chipped away; minor small chip to the edge of the vicar's robe and to his hat brim, one ear of the pig beside him is chipped; 1/4-in. flat chip to the front edge of the base.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The model for this group, first produced at Derby circa 1765, is intended as a satirical comment upon the practice of collecting a contribution by the Church in the form of a tithe, one-tenth of a farmer's annual produce. Here the farmer's wife insists that the vicar accept her tenth child if he wants the pig. A similar group is illustrated in Peter Bradshaw, Derby Porcelain Figures 1750-1848, p. 341, no. 284, where the author also provides, on the following page, its 1751 source, an engraving by Boitard after J. S. Muller as well as a contemporary verse:
     "The Parson comes, the Pig he claims,
     And the good Wife with Taunts inflames,
     But she quite Arch bow'd low and smil'd
     Kept back the Pig and held the Child.
     The Priest look'd gruff, the Wife look'd big,
     Zounds, Sir quoth she, no Child, no Pig."