Four Figures from the Meissen Series of the Five Senses

Meissen Models by Johann F. Eberlein, Meissen 1745; molded and painted shortly thereafter / on fire-gilt bronze mounts

Provenance: Collection of Baron Gustave de Rothschild (1829–1911). Remained in the family until sold at Porcelaines provenant de l'ancienne collection du Baron Gustave de Rothschild, Hôtel Drouot (Etude Couturier Nicolay), Paris, June 20, 1991, lot 16.

Hearing: Height: 29.1 cm (with mount) / Model number: 1062 / Eberlein's work report, August 1745 (Acevedo I, p. 205): "3. Made another figure of the five senses, representing hearing, namely, a woman playing the lute and a deer beside her, also belonging to the Russian commission." / Cf. Nyfeler Collection, no. 69

Smell: Height: 29.7 cm (with mount) / Eberlein's work report, September 1745 (Acevedo I, p. 217): "A figure from the five senses, representing smell, with a dog, made for the Tsarina."

Touch: Height: 28.6 cm (with mount) / Model number: 1136 / Eberlein's work report, October 1745 (Acevedo I, p. 207): "1. A figure from the five senses, representing touch, depicted as a woman with a crab and a tortoise, made for the Russian commission." / Cf. San Francisco Art Museum

Our version, featuring a pecking parrot instead of a crab, was made by Eberlein shortly thereafter.

Taste: Height: 28.9 cm (with mount) / Eberlein's work report, October 1745 (Acevedo I, p. 217): "A similar figure [of the five senses], representing taste, depicted as a woman eating, with a monkey holding a bowl of fruit, though not entirely completed."