A Meissen model of a standing lioness 1924-34 after the model by August Gaul, in the white, on a

A Meissen model of a standing lioness 1924-34 after the model by August Gaul, in the white, on a stepped rectangular plinth, a rear corner with relief signature 'A.GAUL' crossed swords and dot in underglaze-blue, impressed crossed swords and dot and 'weiss' to rear and underside of base, incised model number A 1054., impressed numeral 59 length: 44cm., 17.25;in., height: 30.5cm., 12in. Following studies in Hanau, Berlin and Rome, Professor August Gaul (1869-1921) became one of the leading animal sculptors of the early 20th century. His life-size bronze of a standing lioness of 1901 established his renown, and was the model for the smaller version subsequently produced at Meissen. He only had two students, one of whom was Max Esser, who worked with Gaul between 1905 and 1915, and whose work for Meissen sparked the interest of Gaul in producing his models in porcelain. Gaul died before the idea could be taken further, however, and in 1921 the manufactory purchased eighteen animal models and one female mask from his estate. The models were produced in Bšttger stoneware and unpainted porcelain under the supervision of Max Esser; see C. Marusch-Krohn, Meissener Porzellan 1918-1933 Die Pfeifferzeit, pp.188ff. for a discussion of Gaul's work.