Meissen Portrait Figures

Over 500 figures are pictured in black-and-white and color in this early out of print book. The most definitive guide on the subject of Meissen portrait figures, this book is invaluable. "The Meissen factory was the most important porcelain works in 18th century Europe, being the first to produce true porcelain in the Chinese manner. Established in 1710 in the fortress of Albrechtsburg in the small town of Meissen near Dresden, the factory was intended to staunch the drain on the Saxon coffers caused by Augustus II's passion for Chinese porcelain. At first only copies of Chinese porcelain were made, but in 1731 a young stone carver by the name of Johann Joachim Kaendler was employed as a modeller. Figures had been made by Kirchner, but it was Kaendler who produced the small figures for table decoration that were to be copied by every European porcelain manufacturer. He has been considered the greatest modeller in porcelain of all time, and was responsible for thousands of different pieces over the next forty years."

Lavishly illustrated in color and black-and-white, this rare text pictures and identifies over 500 Meissen portrait figures. The narrative is rich, the color and black-and-white photography is sharp, and the picture captions are in-depth - providing figure names, modellers, dates, dimensions, and descriptions. The authors have described the various types of figures produced and the sources used to inspire them. Color plates depict scenes in Court Life, Country Life, Religion, Mythology, Street Traders, Artisans, and People from Distant Lands, Satire, and Italian Comedy. The Appendices include: Modellers, Artists, Museums, and a Chronology of the Meissen Porcelain Factory 1700-1775. " As the only book devoted to Meissen figures, and written by the authorities on the subject, it is one that no collector can afford to be without." The profuse illustrations and rich narrative make this book and indispensable reference text. "