Porcelain with polychrome décor and on-glaze gold accents
Germany, 1894
Design by Emmerich Andresen (1843-1902) - German sculptor and porcelain designer
Manufactured by Meissen Porcelain Manufactory, 1894-1924
Underglaze blue crossed swords mark, incised model number ‘P. . 136’ and impressed mark ‘121’
Scientia reading a book, standing with attributes of science on a rock and rocaille base
Globus and further books on a tree stump in front of an owl, a magnifying glass and a glass vial
Height: 46 cm
Good, restored condition, first choice
Stunning allegorical representation of the science with extremely fine and detailed modeling and decor

This beautiful porcelain figurine was designed in 1894 by the German sculptor and porcelain designer Emmerich Andresen, who was head of the sculpture workshops of the Royal Meissen porcelain manufactory from 1886 to 1902. Andresen was an exponent of the academic-classical art. He was involved in the artistic decoration of the imperial yacht ‘Hohenzollern’ and found an interested buyer of his works with Kaiser Wilhelm I. The impressive figure of the ‘Scientia’ testifies to Andresen’s great artistic talent. Not only the fine decor of the robes of the present allegory of the science is striking, also the sculptured forms with the modeled folds and the great wealth of detail are particularly noteworthy.

The underside bears the underglaze blue crossed swords mark, the incised model number the ‘P. . 136’ and the impressed mark ‘121’. The figure is of first choice and in good restored condition. Inspection under UV light reveals restored points affecting the books, leaves of the tree and the figure. Very good impression with the naked eye. The height of the figure is 46 cm.



Meissen

Porcelain has been known in Europe since the 13th Century, but always had to be imported from China. Thus it was mostly of lower quality – the Chinese rarely gave their best ware to the foreigners – and extremely expensive. Europeans tried to copy Chinese porcelain for centuries but only in 1708 managed to create real porcelain – in Meissen. The manufacturer’s brand, the crossed swords in blue, has been in use since 1722 and is still a guarantee for the porcelain’s high quality. Meissen celebrated its 300 years of existence in 2008. Quality has always been the number one criteria for Meissen and the company goes as far as to have its own mine to win the needed kaolin from, also known as china clay, for production. It takes several years to reach the degree of a ‘master painter’ in Meissen but judging by the quality of the painting, it is definitely worth it.

Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance.