Meissen Porcelain Figure of a Swan, After a Model by Johann Joachim Kändler

Description

Meissen Porcelain Figure of a Swan This porcelain figure represents a swan modeled in a lifelike posture with its wings partially raised and neck gracefully arched. The surface is molded with detailed plumage, each feather distinctly rendered to capture the bird’s natural form. The beak is painted in shades of iron red and black, with finely delineated strokes around the eyes to emphasize realism. The base is formed as a small mound with molded tufts of turquoise and white foliage, suggesting reeds at the water’s edge. The legs are glazed in a dark brown tone, contrasting with the swan’s white body, while the overall form conveys a sense of natural motion. The underside bears the Meissen blue crossed swords mark in underglaze blue, along with additional incised and painted marks. These marks confirm production by the Meissen porcelain manufactory. The model was originally designed by Johann Joachim Kändler (1706–1775), one of Meissen’s principal sculptors, with assistance from Peter Reinicke (1711/15–1768). Kändler’s workbooks record swan models being developed in 1747 and completed the following year. Figures of this type, representing "Cygnus olor" or the mute swan, were among Meissen’s most admired naturalistic bird models. They were produced in several sizes and often acquired by French and German aristocratic patrons. Comparable examples are held in major collections, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (object number: 2001.87), and the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art(object ID: 1917.1286A). Such works demonstrate the manufactory’s technical achievement in large-scale sculptural porcelain, combining precise modeling with subtle glaze application and controlled color detailing. Circa 1920

Details

Dimensions