MEISSEN c.1735 – 1740. German Hard-paste Porcelain
An 18th Century Meissen Porcelain Gold Ground Saucer Decorated with a ‘Harbour Scene’ c.1735-1740. The Base with Crossed Sword Marks in Underglaze Blue for the Meissen Porcelain Factory and a Gilt ‘Z.’.
SOLD
- Condition
- Very good, a very small amount of the gilt ground worn.
- Size
- Diameter : 12 cm (5 3/4 inches).
- Provenance
- N/A
- Stock number
- 21596
Photos
Information
'Harbour Scenes' were a popular subject at Meissen in the 18th century, they include a range of designs from the often Chinese inspired early designs of the mid-1720's to later designs of the 1740's. They all share a common theme, port or river scenes with ships and merchants along the shore loading or unloading their goods. The quality of the painting is normally very high with incredible attention to detail, this is often contrasted by a broad dramatic sky. Later designs have no Chinese influence, but often show merchants with turbans, suggesting they were traders from the Levant. Several different hands can be seen to have executed these 'Harbour Scenes' but they have been traditionally been attributed to Christian Friedrich Herold (c.1700-1779) because of a snuff box signed by him. However, it is known that in 1744 the factory employed ten landscape and marine painters including Herold. The painting was done at the studio of Johann Gregor Höroldt (1696 - 1775).