The object is a figurine. They are represented in the same way : they were displayed on the table.
Jonathan Richardson 1667-1745
Portrait of the Artist’s Son, Jonathan Richardson the Younger, in his Study c.1734
In the first painting, this figurine and a few scattered books were placed on the table. It is at the edge of the painting and the lights are dim. This painting depicts the painter’s son, who shared many of his father’s cultural interests but was raised a gentleman, not a professional artist. He is shown in his study reading Greek philosophy, an antique bust of Homer placed nearby. So the protagonist of this painting is the sitter. The books, figurine and other objects around the sitter are supporting roles for the status of the protagonist. This object does not appear in other works of this artist. It is simply part of the material world the artist is depicting. So even without the existence of this figurine does not affect the meaning of this painting.
Robert Brough 1872-1905
Fantaisie en Folie 1897
Although the figurine is not in the center of the second painting, the light is still shining on it. The title means “fantasy in madness” and refers to the reflective mood of the subject. The sitter holds out the pendant of her necklace towards a ceramic buddha, as if to compare East and West. So the meaning of the figurine occupies half of the painting. This object does not appear in his other works. In this painting it has a particular symbolism for the sake of comparison. Without the existence of this figurine, this painting may become an elegant lady showing her jewellery and it has lost its profound significance.