Large Antique Mythological Apollo and Daphne Figurine by J.J. Kaendler for Meissen, 1860

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Excellent large and rare meissen figurine group from the 19th century: apollo, clothed with a cloak, attempts to seize daphne … Read more Excellent large and rare meissen figurine group from the 19th century: apollo, clothed with a cloak, attempts to seize daphne from behind as she flees from him and freezes into a laurel tree in a twisting motion. Apollo is supported by a rock, both figures stand on separate natural pedestals with purple-hued rocaille decorations and are screwed together onto an original, matching wooden plinth. This model was probably inspired by the life-size sculpture by italian artist gian lorenzo bernini, which is considered a special sculptural masterpiece due to its lively and dynamic expression. Created between 1622 and 1625, it can now be admired in the galleria borghese in rome. Myth of apollo and daphne: when apollo mocked eros, the god of love, as a bad shot, eros took revenge by shooting a love arrow with a golden tip at him and one with a leaden tip at daphne. Apollo fell madly in love with daphne, while daphne, struck by an arrow from eros with exactly the opposite effect, became unreceptive to that love. When apollo tried to rape daphne, she fled. Exhausted by apollo's pursuit, she begged her father peneios to change her - apollo charming - shape. Thereupon her limbs froze and she turned into a laurel tree. The laurel has been sacred to apollo ever since. In memory of daphne he wore a laurel wreath or a cithara decorated with laurel. Modeller: johann joachim kaendler (1706 - 1775) chief sculptor at the meissen manufactory from 1742 to 1775. He is the most famous modeller meissen manufactory ever had and created famous series such as shepherd figurines, comedian's children, gardener children (with acier), paris town criers (with reinicke and meyer) , gallant figurines, etc. Model 2900 was created in 1762. Manufactory: meissen germany dating: made circa 1860 material: multicolored porcelain, glossy finish technique: handmade and painted porcelain dimensions: height: 44,0 cm / 17.32 in width: 44,0 cm / 17.32 in depth: 30,0 cm / 11.81 in marks: meissen blue crossed sword mark pommels on hilts / first quality model number 2900 condition: very good will be shipped in special made wooden trunk. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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