A Pair of Large Pug Dogs

The Life-Size Pugs by Johann Joachim Kaendler

Among the numerous pug variations created by Kaendler at Meissen—more than 60 different types, as noted by Schandelmaier and Helke in the Stihl Collection catalog (2020, p. 24)—the life-size seated pugs stand out as a distinct category. The website of the Dresden Porcelain Collection in the Zwinger describes a similar-sized female pug (Inv. No. PE 3891, 22.9 cm high) as follows:

"With their life-sized appearance and absence of a base, they belong to Kaendler's early animal representations, aiming for the most naturalistic depiction possible."

Additionally, Ulrich Pietsch writes in the catalog “Meissen Porcelain Sculpture” (2006, p. 191):

"The fact that Kaendler modeled the animals from life is evidenced by his detailed observation and portrayal of details... The finely stippled decoration of the fur and the dark brown eyes give the dogs a very lifelike expression."

This description precisely matches our female pug. Life-size seated pugs (from 22 cm upwards) are significantly rarer compared to the smaller versions (on grass bases).

As Kaendler’s work records show, he created life-size pugs in 1741, including the first model commissioned by Count Brühl.

January 1741

Kaendler’s report on his after-hours work "with the assistance of an apprentice" (Pietsch, Work Reports 2002, p. 86; Rafael in Keramos 203–204/2009, p. 32):

- "4. A dog in life-size"
- "5. Another with 2 puppies"

Kaendler's Taxa (Rafael in Keramos 203–204/2009, p. 49):

- No. 39 "1 life-size dog after the painting, for His Imperial Countly Excellency, the Secret Cabinet Minister Count von Brühl – 4 thalers."
- No. 40 "Another similar with 2 puppies – 7 thalers."

February / March 1741

Kaendler's after-hours report (Pietsch, 2002, p. 86):

- "5. A pug bitch nursing her young."

Kaendler's Taxa (Rafael in Keramos 203–204/2009, p. 49):

- No. 47 "1 life-size pug dog with a young one nursing from her – 7 thalers."

June 1741

Kaendler’s after-hours report (Pietsch 2002, p. 86):

- "A seated pug dog in life-size"

Kaendler’s Taxa (Rafael in Keramos 203–204/2009, p. 50):

- No. 58 "1 life-size pug dog sitting and looking around – 5 thalers."

In November / December of the same year, Kaendler created another model described in his Taxa and after-hours report as being of "medium size" (Pietsch 2002, p. 87; Rafael in Keramos 203–204/2009, p. 53). In contrast to the life-size model, this must refer to the similarly shaped seated pugs without bases, measuring between 17 cm and 18 cm in height. See, for instance:

• - Dresden Porcelain Collection, PE 3894, 3895, 17.9 and 17.3 cm high = Pietsch 2006 Nos. 297, 298
• The Property of Lord Crathorne, Sotheby’s 26.11.1985 No. 246; 17.7 cm high
• Southern German private collection, Helke/Schandelmeier 2020 Nos. 42, 43, 17.3 and 18 cm high

Pug Dogs and the Order of the Pug
The pug likely originated in China and was brought to Europe by the East India Company (Wark I. No. 51, Wikipedia, 06.07.2022). Due to its distinctive appearance and character—the animals are known to be humorous, lively, mischievous, loyal, affectionate, and devoted—it quickly became a favorite dog among European courts.

A decisive factor in the cult around pugs was the Order of the Pug, supposedly founded by Clemens August in 1740. This Freemason-inspired society aimed to bypass the papal bull In eminenti apostolatus specula (1738) issued by Pope Clement XII, which forbade Freemasonry under threat of excommunication. The initiation ceremony of the Order of the Pug parodied the secret rituals of the Freemasons. To the amusement of society, new members—also called "pugs"—had to undergo a mysterious yet comedic initiation procedure. This included scratching at the door like a dog, being led in on a leash with a blindfold, and—kissing a porcelain pug on the rear. For each initiate, such a pug served as a clear indication that its owner was a member of the Order of the Pug—a brother of the order.

For more on the Order of the Pug, see:

• Köllmann, Erich: "The Order of the Pug." In Keramos 50 /1970
• Pérau, Gabriel-Louis (1700–1767): L’Ordre des francs-maçons trahi et le secret des Mopses révélé. Amsterdam, 1745
• Hanke, Roland Martin: The Order of the Pug. In The T&T Collection. Porcelain Pugs. A Passion. Brussels 2019
• Wikipedia

Comparable Examples
Life-size pugs over 22 cm in height:

• Dresden Porcelain Collection, PE 3891, female pug with puppy, 22.9 cm high
• Royal Castle Wawel, Krakow, two pugs
• Collection Van Slyke, Sotheby’s New York 26.09.1989 No. 162, female with puppy, 23.1 cm high = The Collection of Baron Max von Goldschmidt-Rothschild, Parke-Bernet Galleries, New York 14.04.1950 No. 286
• The Patiño Collection, Sotheby’s New York 01.11.1986 No. 5, pair with candelabra mounts, pug height: 24.4 and 23.2 cm
• Koller 19.03.2007, No. 1627, pair, 22.5 and 25 cm high
• The T&T Collection, Brussels catalog 2019 Nos. 6–10, with a unique collection of 5 pairs of life-size pugs