A Complete Ensemble of Four Element Jugs, Meissen 19th Century
porcelain, polychromed and gilt, 4 sculptural ‘element vases’, height 63–67 cm, model by Johann Joachim Kaendler c. 1741/42, partly restored (GO)
Johann Joachim Kaendler (1706-1775) modelled this vase set with the support of Johann Friedrich Eberlein under considerable time pressure.
The royal commission from Frederick Augustus II (1696-1763) to Kaendler had a political purpose. In the context of the War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748), Saxony attempted to assert its interests alongside Prussia and France.
Together with a large central vase with a portrait relief of Louis XV, these four masterpieces, also known as mantlepiece vases, were actually intended as a diplomatic gift for the French king.
Unfortunately, this purpose was already politically obsolete by the time the vases were completed in the summer of 1742. Saxony's plan to achieve a geographical connection between Saxony and Poland with the support of France was no longer viable.
The existing sets of "element vases", now politically functionless but already completed, were then transferred from the Manufactory's depot to the Japanisches Palais instead of France due to the great expense and artistic perfection involved, and were later displayed in the porcelain cabinet of the Dresden Residence, which was furnished in 1743.
With these four jugs representing the elements of fire, water, air and earth, Kaendler staged vessels as sculptures, superbly decorating them with magnificent bas-reliefs and applications in the form of flowers, animals and mythological figures.
Inspired by French models such as the engravings after Juste-Aurèle Meissonier (1695-1750), he used the Rococo pattern repertoire to create the Meissen "Element Vases", pioneering and outstanding masterpieces of the porcelain art that was only just developing in Europe, splendidly reflecting the new technical possibilities of this material.
Lit.:
Bergmann, Meissen Figurines, Verlag Kurt Götz, Karlsruhe 2017, vol. 1 p. 425 ill 1950-1953
View it on
Sale price
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
porcelain, polychromed and gilt, 4 sculptural ‘element vases’, height 63–67 cm, model by Johann Joachim Kaendler c. 1741/42, partly restored (GO)
Johann Joachim Kaendler (1706-1775) modelled this vase set with the support of Johann Friedrich Eberlein under considerable time pressure.
The royal commission from Frederick Augustus II (1696-1763) to Kaendler had a political purpose. In the context of the War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748), Saxony attempted to assert its interests alongside Prussia and France.
Together with a large central vase with a portrait relief of Louis XV, these four masterpieces, also known as mantlepiece vases, were actually intended as a diplomatic gift for the French king.
Unfortunately, this purpose was already politically obsolete by the time the vases were completed in the summer of 1742. Saxony's plan to achieve a geographical connection between Saxony and Poland with the support of France was no longer viable.
The existing sets of "element vases", now politically functionless but already completed, were then transferred from the Manufactory's depot to the Japanisches Palais instead of France due to the great expense and artistic perfection involved, and were later displayed in the porcelain cabinet of the Dresden Residence, which was furnished in 1743.
With these four jugs representing the elements of fire, water, air and earth, Kaendler staged vessels as sculptures, superbly decorating them with magnificent bas-reliefs and applications in the form of flowers, animals and mythological figures.
Inspired by French models such as the engravings after Juste-Aurèle Meissonier (1695-1750), he used the Rococo pattern repertoire to create the Meissen "Element Vases", pioneering and outstanding masterpieces of the porcelain art that was only just developing in Europe, splendidly reflecting the new technical possibilities of this material.
Lit.:
Bergmann, Meissen Figurines, Verlag Kurt Götz, Karlsruhe 2017, vol. 1 p. 425 ill 1950-1953
Sale price
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
