A rare Meissen figure of the Muse Caliope from the Parnassus centrepiece, circa 1762
148
A rare Meissen figure of the Muse Calliope from the Parnassus centrepiece, circa 1762
Modelled by J.J. Kaendler, seated on coloured rockwork applied with flowering branches, writing in an open book, a pounce pot, an ink pot and another book in front, wearing a tunic decorated with gilt flowers, a puce-lined yellow cloak with indianische Blumen and a wreath on her hair, the base modelled with elaborate gilt-edged scrollwork, incised 'Caliope' to rear, 'G' coloured in purple to flat side of base and 'C' to front edge, 21.5cm high; 25cm across, crossed swords mark in underglaze-blue (minor restoration and chips)
Sold for £3,125 inc. premium

Footnotes

  • This figure formed part of the large and elaborate centrepiece for the dessert service of the table service ordered by Frederick the Great of Prussia at the end of 1761, subsequently known as the Möllendorff Service. The large sculptural centrepiece featuring Apollo on Parnassus, of which a complete example is in the Museum für Angewandte Kunst, Frankfurt, was designed by Frederick (see S. Wittwer, 'har der König von Preußen die schleunige Verfertiggung verschiedener Bestellungen ernstlich begehret' - Friedrich der Große und das Meißener Porzellan. Keramos 208 (2010), pp. 56ff., ill. 52).

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