A rare Meissen porcelain teapot with Romulus and Remus - image-1 A rare Meissen porcelain teapot with Romulus and Remus - image-2

Lot 675 D α

A rare Meissen porcelain teapot with Romulus and Remus

Auction 1159 - overview Cologne
13.11.2020, 09:30 - Decorative Arts incl. the Renate and Tono Dreßen Collection
Estimate: 1.500 € - 2.000 €
Result: 1.875 € (incl. premium)
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A rare Meissen porcelain teapot with Romulus and Remus

Rounded vessel with moulded handle and zoomorphic spout, the original lid with a floral finial. With a finely painted depiction of Romulus and Remus with the wolf beneath a stylised mountain motif (symbolising the seven hills of Rome). The three putti on the reverse as allegories of astronomy with their attributes. Blue crossed swords mark. The lid and finial restored, the basal ring slightly chipped. The gilding of the spout slightly retouched. H 10.1 cm.
Circa 1745.

It is generally assumed that the mountain range composition with stars that decorates this cup is designed to resemble the coat of arms of the powerful Roman Chigi family. However, this remains speculation, since as yet no proof has been found that the Chigi family ever received a Meissen service. It is not unlikely, however, given the close diplomatic ties between Italy and Saxony which resulted in many royal porcelain commissions throughout the 1730s and 40s.

Provenance

Bonhams London, 16th May 2007, lot 57.
Acquired in 2010 from Steinbeck art dealers, Aachen.

Literature

Illus. in cat.: Blütenlese. Meißener Porzellan aus der Sammlung Tono Dreßen, Munich 2018, p. 101, no. 66.