Bacchant Group with Drunken Silenus on Donkey by E. A. Leuteritz for Meissen, 1860

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Excellent meisse porcelain group of the 19th century: the group was designed by leuteritz using old moulds based on a … Read more Excellent meisse porcelain group of the 19th century: the group was designed by leuteritz using old moulds based on a model by friedrich elias meyer from 1760: visibly drunk silenus, crowned with a wreath of vines, sitting on a donkey and supported by a young bacchante walking beside him, so that he cannot fall off, in front of the laboriously stretching donkey, a loosely dressed nymph next to a basket full of vines on the ground next to a basket full of vines, feeding grapes to the animal, behind the donkey on the ground a naked putto lying on his back, playing with the animal's tail. The group is based on an oval natural base with sculptural flowers and foliage and gold-plated rocaille ornaments. Silenus is the oldest and wisest of the satyrs in greek mythology. He is considered the tutor and constant companion of dionysus, the god of wine, and embodies wine intoxication, joie de vivre, but also wisdom in a state of drunkenness. He often has prophetic abilities when he is drunk. Typical attributes: depicted as an older, bearded man (in contrast to younger satyrs), with horse or donkey ears, often also a ponytail, drunkenness: staggering posture, leaning on satyrs or grapevines, ancient art (vase painting, reliefs, sculptures) usually shows silenus staggering, supported by satyrs or riding an animal. Designed by ernst august leuteritz (1818-1893) studied at the academy in dresden, was a sculptor and from 1849 to 1886 he held the position of head of design at the meissen porcelain manufactory, and in 1882 he became professor. He worked on vessel shapes and figures from the 18th century and designed vases, centerpieces and candlesticks in the styles of rococo and classicism. The model was created around 1860.

manufactory: meissen germany dating: 1860-1870 material: porcelain, glossy finish technique: handmade porcelain, hand-painted, gold painting style: rococo dimensions: height: 21,5 cm / 8.46 in width: 19,5 cm / 7.67 in depth: 12,0 cm / 4.72 in marks: meissen underglaze blue sword mark pommels on hilts / first quality model number 2724 / former's number 46 + 70 bibliography: thomas & sabine bergmann, meissen - figures, model numbers 1 - 3000, erlangen, germany, 2017, catalogue number 2188 on page 530. Condition: very good 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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