Allegorical Porcelain Candlesticks by Volkstedt R. Eckert and Co, 1895, Set of 2

Details

Description

A finely modelled pair of german porcelain figural candlesticks produced by volkstedt r. Eckert & co. Around 1895. Executed in … Read more A finely modelled pair of german porcelain figural candlesticks produced by volkstedt r. Eckert & co. Around 1895. Executed in the ornate thüringen rococo revival style, the pair combines allegorical figures, applied flowers and vividly painted decorative elements.

the female figure represents summer or harvest in the iconography of ceres, holding a sheaf of wheat and a torch beside a basket of fruit and a vividly painted dragon. The dragon is not merely decorative: it appears to echo the older european tradition in which ceres is associated with dragons, especially in scenes of her dragon-drawn chariot associated with grain and agriculture.

the male figure represents autumn as a bacchanalian youth with grapes, pine cone and wine vessel, reinforcing the symbolism of wine and the harvest season. The loosely draped fur wrap, partial nudity and classical wine vessel at his feet reinforce the association with bacchus, wine and the autumn harvest.

both figures stand beside flower-encrusted stems supporting rococo-style candle sockets painted in soft pink and pale green with gilt highlights. The delicate pastel palette, elaborate applied flowers and lively rococo revival modelling reflect the highly decorative character associated with late 19th-century thüringen porcelain.

the undersides bear the underglaze blue crossed-swords type mark corresponding to the r. Eckert & co. Period.

the pair has particularly strong decorative appeal due to the unusual iconography, matched composition and vividly painted dragon, which becomes a major visual focal point within the summer allegory.

dimensions:
female figure:
height 21.4 cm
width 10.5 cm
depth 7 cm
weight 381 g

male figure:
height 21.4 cm
width 10.3 cm
depth 7.5 cm
weight 375 g

condition:
female figure: the tip of the torch formerly held in the left hand is missing. In otherwise excellent antique condition, with the vividly painted dragon surviving particularly well.

male figure: a small chip to one flower petal. In otherwise excellent antique condition.

please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this. This piece has an attribution mark,
i am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
issues arising from misattribution See less