A MEISSEN GROUP OF AUGUSTUS III AND HIS WIFE, MARIA JOSEPHA OF AUSTRIA modelled by J.J. Kändler, she in red and white lace cap, black bodice and elaborate crinoline with indianische Blumen, the hem with shaped pink panels gilt with scrolling flowers and with gilt-edged blue underskirt, he with a gilt snuff-box and his tricorn hat under his left arm, in blue sash, silvered-edged yellow jacket, long blue waistcoat with silvered flowers, yellow breeches and black shoes, on an oval base applied with coloured flowers (restoration to edge of her cap, her wrist bows and thumb, his hair-bow, fingers, right hand, hilt and tip of sword, some chipping and restoration to foliage), circa 1744

Details

A MEISSEN GROUP OF AUGUSTUS III AND HIS WIFE, MARIA JOSEPHA OF AUSTRIA modelled by J.J. Kändler, she in red and white lace cap, black bodice and elaborate crinoline with indianische Blumen, the hem with shaped pink panels gilt with scrolling flowers and with gilt-edged blue underskirt, he with a gilt snuff-box and his tricorn hat under his left arm, in blue sash, silvered-edged yellow jacket, long blue waistcoat with silvered flowers, yellow breeches and black shoes, on an oval base applied with coloured flowers (restoration to edge of her cap, her wrist bows and thumb, his hair-bow, fingers, right hand, hilt and tip of sword, some chipping and restoration to foliage), circa 1744
21cm. high

Provenance

Anon., sale Christie's, 28 March 1977, lot 28
Anon., sale Christie's, New York, 21 November 1980, lot 386

Lot Essay

Thought to represent Augustus III and his queen Maria Josepha von Hapsburg, this group was first modelled in 1744 and recorded in the factory records: 'Ein Grueppchen einen Cavalier so auf der Brust einen stern und den polnischen Orden anhagen hat, auch eine Tabatiere haelt, bei der hand aber eine geputzte Dame haelt'

The present example is notable for the exceptional refinement of silver decoration

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