A Meissen figure of Beltrame, circa 1740 (restored)
42
A rare Meissen figure of a dancer (L'Indifférent)
circa 1740
Modelled by J.J. Kaendler, in a theatrical pose, wearing a black tricorn with two feathers, a yellow-lined black cloak, a blue tunic with gilt frogging, iron red breeches with turquoise bows to the sides and a dagger on the left side, yellow shoes with green bows, 19cm high, crossed swords mark in blue, inventory number P.E. 296. in red enamel (restored)
Sold for £126,000 inc. premium

Footnotes

  • Provenance:
    Gustav and Charlotte von Klemperer Collection, Dresden, to 1938;
    Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden - Porzellansammlung im Zwinger, Inv. no. PE 296, to 2010

    Literature:
    Schnorr von Carolsfeld 1928, no. 558;
    Handt/Rakebrand 1956, no. 109;
    Porzellansammlung Führer 1998, p.215;
    Pietsch 2006, no. 85

    This figure is listed in Kaendler's records of overtime work between April and July 1738: 'Einen nach Watteauischen Kupfferstich geferttigeten Tänzer, mit einer feder auf den Huth, auf der rechten Achßel hat er ein Mäntelgen hangen' [a dancer completed after a Watteauesque engraving, with a feather on his hat, he has a small cloak hanging on his right arm] (Arbeitsberichte, p. 59).

    The engraving referred to is probably L'Indifférent, engraved after Watteau by Gerard II Scotin and published in 1729 (Wallwitz/Ziffer 2006, p. 50). Another example of this figure is in the Arnhold Collection, New York (Cassidy-Geiger 2008, no. 46, also published by Wallwitz/Ziffer 2006, no. 5, where other published examples are listed).

Category: Decorative Arts / European Ceramics

Auction terms and conditions

Contacts

Nette Megens Bonhams
Work
101 New Bond Street
London, W1S 1SR
United Kingdom
Work +44 20 7468 8348
FaxFax: +44 20 7468 8252
Specialist - European Ceramics