PORCELAIN CENTREPIECE. VOLKSTEDT, RUDOLSTADT, GERMANY. CA END 19TH CENTURY
Antiques -
Reference: ZF0144
Centerpiece. Volkstedt, Rudolstadt, Germany. Towards the end of the 19th century. Glazed porcelain. A circular centrepiece raised on simple legs, displaying a delicate multi-level composition. The children are arranged using a large stone and a tree trunk, with one child on top wearing a purple band holding flowers; below, there are four others, also half-naked, holding glasses, flowers, etc. Both the figures and the composition show a clear influence of Neoclassical models. This same relationship explains the theme: it is a series of figures linked to classical mythology, dealing with a pleasant and secondary theme (only a slight relationship with a bacchanal can be intuited by a cup that is presented), highly appreciated for the rich interiors of the period for maintaining the decorum required at the time. The factory's signature is clearly visible at the bottom in the centre and is in blue tones, with a signature (Marion) "engraved" below it. The Volkstedt factory, located in Rudolstadt (Thuringia, Germany), was founded at the official request of Georg Heinrich Macheleid in 1760, who had worked at the Glücksthal glassworks and had allegedly developed the porcelain formula on his own, without any contact with the Meissen ceramists Ehrenfried Walther von Tschirnhaus and Johann Friedrick Böttger. The privilege was granted in 1762 by Johann Friederich (Prince of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt), specifying that it be established at that point, close to his court and under his personal direction. After several changes of hands over the years, it remains in force today.
· Size: 34x34x56cms.
1.600 €
