Meissen Porcelain Figural Group Freemasons After Kaendler

A Meissen porcelain figural group “Freemasons”, from an edition circa 1999, originally modelled in 1742 by Johann Joachim Kaendler. Please see Meissen’s own description in the notes below.

Condition: Excellent. No damage, wear, or restoration.

Marks: Crossed swords in underglaze blue. Impressed “73049” and “28AE”.

Measurements:
Height: 23 cm
Width: 24 cm
Depth: 16 cm
Weight: 2470 g

Shipping/Import: Free to most destinations. EU customers, PLEASE NOTE: Our price for this item includes all shipping and import costs (customs duty, clearance fees, and VAT). For other destinations, please inquire.

Notes: This same model is currently available as part of the exclusive range at Meissen, Item No.: 900380-73049-1, for €15,500.00. Here is Meissen’s own description from the listing: “In the 1740s, Kaendler devoted himself to another moving subject in addition to the courtly and gallant world: freemasonry. Many aristocrats who were close to the Enlightenment joined the Masonic lodges in order to indulge in secret rituals as "master builders" of humanist ideals. The symbols of the conspiratorial community, compasses, squares and apron skins, are easily recognizable in Kaendler's figure from 1742. However, the sculpture in the exclusive collection also conceals a humorous counterpart to the serious lodge life: the pug dog - the mascot of the "Order of the Pug" amusement society. In a humorous and ironic way, Kaendler's hand-painted work of art depicts the many facets of society at the time. The sculpture depicts thoughtful gentlemen surveying the world next to a carefree pug lying in a meadow of flowers. Delicately hand-painted, the figure is enchanting down to the smallest detail. An extraordinary sculpture, hand-painted. The figurine from the exclusive collection is an enchanting work of art.”