Large The Earth Allegorical Group by M.V. Acier for Meissen, Germany, 1850

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Excellent meissen porcelain group of the 19th century: depiction of the goddess kybele, the great phrygian mother of the gods … Read more Excellent meissen porcelain group of the 19th century: depiction of the goddess kybele, the great phrygian mother of the gods 'magna mater', seated with a mural crown on a reclining lion, holding a cornucopia on her lap, symbol of wealth and abundance, behind her standing on a rock a female cupid presenting a key, surrounded by further three cupids with flowers, crops and rake, symbolising agriculture and the cultivation of the earth. The group is based on an irregular earth and rock base with a gold rim. Kybele usually wears a crown in the shape of a city wall on her head as an attribute and is depicted in castles, monasteries and baroque gardens, especially in the 18th century. In cycles showing the four elements, she embodies the earth. That is why she is often presented with the sun and moon to her right and left. In the other hand she may carry a staff of office, a sceptre, as a symbol of rulership complementing the mural crown. In the other hand she carries a small kettledrum, which may symbolise the noise of her madness or the festivities held in her honour. Often kybele rides on a lion or a pair of lions, or she rides on a chariot drawn by two lions. Spikes of corn, poppies, flowers or fruit in bowls may also be shown. Wikipwdia. Designer: michael victor acier (1736 versailles - 1799 dresden) trained as a sculptor in paris, he received a call to the porcelain factory in meissen in 1762: he created a large number of groups in the watteau style. In 1780 acier came to dresden as a royal saxon model master. Design of model d 83 in 1775. Manufactory: meissen germany dating: made ca. 1850 material: white porcelain, glossy finish technique: handmade and finest hand painting size: height: 24,5 cm / 9.85 inches width: 23,5 cm / 9.25 inches depth: 20,0 cm / 7.87 inches marks: blue meissen underglaze crossed sword mark circa 1850, 'pommels on hilts' / first quality model number d 83 / painter's number 59 bibliography: - thomas & sabine bergmann, meissen - figures, model numbers a 1 - z 99, erlangen germany 2014, catalog number 255, on page 130. Condition: excellent 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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