Van Amburgh Lion Tamer Jug Large Size. Under its rim is a decoration of a swagged theatre curtain, a reference to the fact that Van Amburgh often performed his act in theaters, as well as in the circus. Van Amburgh, three quarters Dutch and one quarter Cherokee Indian, was born in America and made his name there with the Titus Menagerie before coming to England in 1838 and attracting considerable attention by his Drury Lane performance which entranced Queen Victoria so much that she attended three performances in two weeks and wrote about it in her diaries. In 1839 The Duke of Wellington commissioned Landseer to paint his portrait, and numerous engravings of him appeared performing various dramatic episodes with his beasts such as The Brute Tamer of Pompeii. The manufacturers of this moulded Staffordshire jug would have copied an engraving for this image of him, and produced the jug in two sizes. Since Van Amburgh toured England on several occasions and was a sensation wherever he went, the jug would have been a popular souvenir. 8.5″H X 9″W. Provenance: Prominent Private Collection. Documentation: Victoria & Albert Museum, Accession # S. Condition: Nice condition, small rub to lion’s ear on handle. Please review photos closely. I try and represent items as accurately as possible. If there are any issues upon receipt of the item, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
