Jump to content

Meissen Fountain

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Meissen Fountain is a historic decorative fountain made of Meissen porcelain. It is "the largest single Meissen porcelain figure group in existence."[1] It is held at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, United Kingdom.

History

[edit]

The Meissen Fountain was designed from 1745 to 1757.[1] It shows Amphitrite and Neptune drawn by hippocampi.[2] It was displayed by Count Heinrich von Brühl at his state dinners.[1] For example, Sir Charles Hanbury Williams, who served as the British ambassador in Dresden, mentions it in his writings.[2][3] Between 1774 and 1815, some parts were added.[1]

The fountain was acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, United Kingdom, in 1870.[1] Under the leadership of Reino Leifkes,[3] it was restored in 2014, in collaboration with the Royal College of Art.[1][4] As the fountain was broken in pieces, 3D modelling was used to rebuild it.[2]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f Ramakers, Hanneke; Jordan, Fi (Autumn 2014). "The Meissen Fountain: re-presenting porcelain on a grand scale". Conservation Journal. 62. Retrieved 29 January 2016.
  2. ^ a b c Arkell, Roland (28 January 2014). "18th century Meissen revived via 21st century technology". Antiques Trade Gazette. Retrieved 31 January 2016.
  3. ^ a b Brown, Steve (2014). "The Meissen Fountain Project: Restoration in the age of digital reproduction" (PDF). Making Futures Journal. 3. Retrieved 31 January 2016.
  4. ^ "Meissen Fountain Remodelled and Restored by RCA Ceramics & Glass Staff". Royal College of Art. 15 July 2014. Retrieved 29 January 2016.
[edit]