Large Gardener Figurines by Kaendler & Schoenheit for Meissen, 1860, Set of 2

Description

Gardener couple consisting of two individual figures. The female gardener wears rural rococo clothing: a dress with elaborate floral decoration … more Gardener couple consisting of two individual figures. The female gardener wears rural rococo clothing: a dress with elaborate floral decoration and pinned-up apron, corset and borders, a brimmed hat with flower arrangement, on the left arm a basket full of flowers, a flower wreath in the right hand. The figure is supported by a rock and a small tree and is based on square earth base with gold heightened white rocailles. The male gardener also wears the finest rococo garb: noble rose-colored frock coat worn over a vest with gold and floral embroidery, the hem made of dipped lace, hat and flower basket tucked under his left arm, holding a small bouquet of flowers in his right hand. Like the female gardener, the figure is based on square pedestal with gold heightened rocailles, supported from behind by a curved pedestal on a tree trunk. Excellent execution of the decorations. Designers: johann joachim kaendler (1706 - 1775) was 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. Kaendler designed model 2868 circa 1762. Johann carl schönheit (1730 - 1805) started working as an apprentice in the meissen factory in 1741 and has been in a responsible position since 1768. For more than 20 years, schönheit was an employee of both j.j. Kändler as well as from m.v. Acier, who entered the meissen factory in 1762. After kändler's death in 1775, schönheit was head of the model department until 1794. Design of model b 65 circa 1767. Manufactory: meissen germany dating: made ca. 1860 material: white porcelain, glossy finish technique: handmade and finest hand painting dimensions: female: height = 48,5 cm / 19.09 in width = 21,0 cm / 8.26 in depth = 19,0 cm / 7.48 in male: height = 48,5 cm / 19.09 in width = 22,0 cm / 8.66 in depth = 18,0 cm / 7.08 in marks: blue meissen underglaze crossed sword mark circa 1850, 'pommels on hilts' / first quality model numbers female: b 65 / male: 2868 bibliography: - female gardener: thomas & sabine bergmann, meissen artist's - figures / erlangen germany 2014, model numbers a 1 - z 99, catalogue number 123 on page 77. - male gardener: thomas & sabine bergmann, meissen artist's - figures / erlangen germany 2017, model numbers 1 - 3000, catalogue number 1194 on page 96. Condition: excellent - some flower and leaf tips professionally restored 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



issues arising from misattribution less