My last blog involved the lovely little white porcelain figure. It links in nicely with another item earmarked for our 2013 Exhibition, a pair of giltwood figures.
In an embarrassing double-up, they'll be at the same exhibition wearing the same hat!
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| Left: Naples porcelain figure, Right: Italian giltwood figure, both late 18th century. |
They are an interesting pair, and possibly once had gesso leaves- or perhaps gilt brass foliage- behind them, rather like English figure groups of the 18h century. The small holes visible below are the clue - they obviously had something attached to the back of the figure with small metal pins.
They date to the later 18th century, and are of interest to the ceramics enthusiast because of the link to porcelain figure production:
Many ceramics were based on the more prolific wood sculptors work, and indeed Kandler, the master sculptor of Meissen fame, was discovered by Augustus the Strong as an apprentice wood carver, and moved to the King's porcelain factory. He went on to direct the factory, and produced some of the finest ceramic sculpture ever made.
Many ceramics were based on the more prolific wood sculptors work, and indeed Kandler, the master sculptor of Meissen fame, was discovered by Augustus the Strong as an apprentice wood carver, and moved to the King's porcelain factory. He went on to direct the factory, and produced some of the finest ceramic sculpture ever made.
This lively couple of Italian giltwood figures will be part of our 2013 Exhibition, to be held 23rd February in our Geelong premises.
