Lot 30: A VERY RARE MARCOLINI MEISSEN BISCUIT GROUP EMBLEMATIC OF "RUSSIA'S THRIVING COMMERCE" LAST QUARTER 18TH CENTURY

LAST QUARTER 18TH CENTURY

43cm., 17in. high

modelled by Michel Victor Acier, in three parts, depicting a bare-chested figure on a domed rockwork base tying a large bundle, an anchor to his side and a caduceus at his feet, on the other half of the base two putti by an overflowing cornucopia on a large bandle, one with scales to his side, and various weights and a compass scattered on the base, mounted with a column with oval medallions below laurel wreaths and surmounted by a bust of the quadruple-faced god Terminus crowned with a wreath of ivy, possibly early 19th century

both base sections with crossed swords and asterisk in blue, one with the same mark impressed, and incised model number C.18 and impressed 58, the column with crossed swords mark in blue, incised model number C.18 and impressed 76

Condition Note: some minor chips and damage

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described in our catalogue. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSION CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Quantity: 3

NOTE

This model is one of seven large groups which formed the centrepiece of an extraordinary gift of porcelain from the Elector of Saxony, Friedrich August III, to Prince Nikolai Vassiliewitch Repnin (1752-1801), the Russian negotiator of the Peace of Teschen (1779). For a detailed discussion of the gift, now lost, and the complex iconography, see Tobias Burg, "The Porcelain Groups for Nikolai Vassilievitsh Repnin", in U. Pietsch (ed.), Meissen for the Czars, pp.134ff.

The Peace of Teschen, which ended the Bavarian War of Succession, was favourable to Saxony, and the Elector Friedrich August presented paticularly lavish gifts to both the French and Russian plenipotentiaries, whose governments were also guarantors of the treaty. The Baron de Breteuil received a table by Johann Christian Neuber, while Prince Repnin was presented with a still more lavish gift: a complete table service, painted with views of Saxony and Russia, as well as classical subjects including portraits of Greek and Roman poets and philosophers.

The centrepiece consisted of seven large figural groups of considerable iconographical and technical complexity which, in essence, glorified the good governance of the Empress Catherine II, and celebrated the achievements of Prince Repnin. According to a contemporary account, the groups were positioned on pedestals "bronzed according to ancient taste, gilt in four colours [and] embellished with diverse precious stones from Saxony by the court jeweller [Neuber]" (quoted by Burg, op.cit., p.134).

The gift for Prince Repnin was exhibited at the annual exhibition of the Dresden Academy in March, 1781, and was there described by Johann Christian Hasche: These days, the exhibition was always filled to the rafters because the more than princely present, offered by His Majesty for Prince Repnin, a centrepiece made of stunning Meissen porcelain, was exhibited in one of the side rooms... The fifth group refers to Russia's thriving position on the waters and on land in all 4 continents. It depicts the god Terminus [god of the borders] with a quadruple face and a wreath of ivy. This is the picture of Peter Alexiovitz [ie. Peter the Great] who lent the first and the best shape to His empire, who founded navigation, and under whose efforts rough rocks were turned into blooming pastures..." (quoted by Burg, op.cit., pp.134f.).