Meissen Fountain Explained

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

History

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]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Ramakers. Hanneke. Jordan. Fi. The Meissen Fountain: re-presenting porcelain on a grand scale. Conservation Journal. Autumn 2014. 62. January 29, 2016.
  2. News: Arkell. Roland. 18th century Meissen revived via 21st century technology. January 31, 2016. Antiques Trade Gazette. January 28, 2014.
  3. Brown. Steve. The Meissen Fountain Project: Restoration in the age of digital reproduction. Making Futures Journal. 2014. 3. January 31, 2016.
  4. Web site: Meissen Fountain Remodelled and Restored by RCA Ceramics & Glass Staff. Royal College of Art. January 29, 2016. July 15, 2014.