A pair of parrots, ‘große Sorte’ (large variety)
Meissen model by Johann Joachim Kaendler, May 1740, commissioned by the Parisian merchant Christophe Huet
Meissen early 1740s; 19.8 cm and 19.2 cm high; both with impressed number ‘26’ for Andreas Schiefer (Miedtank in Keramos 232/2016 p. 15).
Kaendler work record, May 1740: ‘1. A parrot made in clay, large variety for Monsieur Huiet, so that the latter looks against the parrot formerly made by me.’ (Pietsch 2002 p. 70)
Description
The parrots were among the most popular bird models in the Meissen manufactory. As early as 1735, Kaendler created a smaller model, in addition to the one for the Japanese Palace. Kaendler's work report, July 1735: "5. two small parrots made for the warehouse". (Pietsch 2002, p. 32)
With a height of about 20 cm, our model belongs to the "large variety". The very fine, naturalistic painting of the plumage with its very accurate drawing is reminiscent of the South American Amazon parrot with its dominant colours of green and red (cf. Ziffer in ‘Kabinettstücke’ cat. 2006 p. 135). The trunk, colours and painting of both birds perfectly match each other.
Comparative parrots of the large variety (pairs or counterparts), i.a.:
- Coll. Laurence S. Rockefeller, Sotheby's New York 11-12.10.2005 No. 194, two counterparts, mounted
- Coll. Peggy and David Rockefeller, Christie's New York vol. II 09.05.2018 No. 202, two counterparts
- Residenz Munich, Rückert cat. 1966 Nos. 1081, 1082, counterparts, mounted
- Cat. Kabinettstücke 2006 No. 19, counterparts with cherries, mounted in three-armed candlesticks
- Cat. Cabinet pieces 2006 No. 23, counterparts
- Cat. Early Meissen Porcelain. Pietsch 1997 no. 237, a pair very similar to ours, with the same colours, modelling and painting
Picture-gallery
