Sophie von der Goltz
Head of Sale
Lot 41
A rare Meissen white figure of the Apostle Paul from the "Grosse Hofbestellung" for Pope Clement XIV, circa 1772
2 December 2025, 13:00 GMT
London, New Bond Street£2,000 - £3,000
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Nette Megens
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Sebastian Kuhn
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Raphael Machiels
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Ghislaine Howard
Sale Coordinator
A rare Meissen white figure of the Apostle Paul from the "Grosse Hofbestellung" for Pope Clement XIV, circa 1772
Modelled by J.J. Kaendler, wearing classical robes, standing with his right hand upraised and holding a sword in the left, on a narrow oval base, mounted with two bolts on a rectangular plinth moulded with a Greek key border around the side and a raised oval laurel wreath, 53.5cm high overall, indistinct crossed swords mark and "30." in blue to unglazed base of figure, the plinth with crossed swords mark and dot in underglaze-blue (minor restoration)
Footnotes
Provenance:
Anton Gabszewicz Collection
This figure was modelled by Kaendler for an altar garniture that was commissioned in 1770 by the Elector of Saxony, Friedrich August III, as a gift for Pope Clemens XIV (1705-1774). It was one of the last great commissions executed by J.J. Kaendler and was modelled between 1771 and 1772. It consisted of six figures depicting Saints (including the present figure, a large Crucifixion group and four pairs of candlesticks. See Brigitte Tietzel, "Joh. Joachim Kaendlers 'Grosse Hofbestellung' für Papst Clemens XIV. und die Wiener Folgen," in Keramos, 153 (1996): 131-150, for a discussion of the commission. The figure of Saint Paul from the original gift to the Pope has a gilt pedestal (ill. 3).
The figure is listed in Kaendler's work records in February 1772: "Das Bildnis des Heil. Apostel Pauli welches nacher Rom bestellet worden gantz neu Von einer Elle hoch modelliret. Es ist Selbiger stehend als ein Prediger in Antiquer Kleidung vorgstellet, als in einem klaren Unter Kleidt, und in starckem Gewande das Oberkleidt. Er hebet den rechten Arm enrsthafft in die Höhe, und in der lincken Hand hält er sein ihm Zu geeignetes großes Schwerdt. Welche Figur mit großem Fleiße hergestellt worden ist" [A portrait of the Holy Apostle Paul which was ordered for Rome, modelled completely new one Elle (56.6cm) high. He is depicted standing as a preacher in antique clothes, in a well-defined undergarment and a strong robe on top. He gravely holds up his right arm and in his left hand the large swords appropriate to him. This figure was made with great effort].
The figure is mentioned again in June 1772: "Die sehr mühsame Figur oder das Modell des Apostel Puli sehr mühsam Zerschnitten und Zum abformen gegeben" [The very laborious figure or model of the Apostle Paul painstakingly cut and given for moulding].
The pedestal was modelled by Kaendler in January 1772: "Ein Postament unten viereckigt von Ziemliecher größe auspoußiret worauf die Figuren zu stehen kommen. Es ist solches mit antiquen ornamenten versehen und oben herum mit Loorber umwunden" [carved a pedestal square at the base of considerable size on which the figures will stand].