Shapiro Auctions
Lot 194
modelled after J.J. Kaendler, the god of war, Mars is seated in a ornate chariot, drawn by two caparison white horses, surrounding him, his trophies, comprising of a bow and arrow, quiver banner and drums, and marshall staff, dressed in a cuirasse with detailing of lions, foliate and floral gilt-edging, green and purple fustanella, with a helmet and sandals, all conforming in design, the chariot and clouds with a single putto moulded in two parts and joined, both with factory mark in blue underglaze, the chariot side with painter's numeral 27 in black underglaze, the putto side with incised model number 22 in paste with impressed numerals 121, all underside of adjoined parts, incised model number 22 and impressed 121 on top of putto base, horses marked blue factory mark, incised model number 22 and impressed 121 all underside of horses; dimensions of base: 42 (l) x 19 (w) cm (16 1/2 x 7 1/2 in.), height: 31 cm (12 1/4 in.)LITERATUREUlrich Pietsch (ed.), Meissen for the Czars (Hirmer Verlag, 2004), discussion of this gift and an image of the large figure, formerly Lomonossov, Pavilion near sliding hill, p. 104, cat. ill. 26LOT NOTESThe large meissen allegorical figure of Mars in His Chariot, was first modelled in part by J.J. Kaendler and in part by M.C. Acier, designed as a gift for the Czarina Catherine II. Intended for decoration of the Katalnaya Gorka or 'Sliding Hill' pavilion near the Oranienbaum Palace outside of St. Petersburg.CONDITIONThe figurine is in good condition. A chip resulting in loss to one of the feathers of Mars' helmet. Inspection under UV light shows retouching to Mar's helmet, a visible repair to the adjoining bases and retouching and repair to the one of the horses proper left leg.
