The figure group "Neptune and Thetis" is part of the "Great Russian Order" commissioned by Empress Catherine II. It consists of four pieces, partially mounted. The curved base is elaborately decorated with relief ornament borders, on which a group of figures is conceived. In the center, there is a tumultuous sea wave, on which stands a shell carriage pulled by two rearing hippocamps, with the majestic god Neptune, with a gray beard, standing in a commanding pose as the ruler of the seas. In his right hand, he holds a large trident, and in his left hand, he holds a laurel wreath. Behind him appears the sea nymph Thetis, looking down towards Amphitrite, the sea goddess carried by a dolphin. Flanking them are two Tritons and a sea nymph. The painting is polychrome with gold accents. It is either by Johann Joachim Kaendler, 1773, model number 1, with added trident, partially minimally damaged, with crossed swords marks. It measures 42 cm in height and 61 cm in length. Kaendler also created the pendant group "Triumph of Amphitrite". The commission for Catherine II of Russia included numerous allegorical and mythological porcelain figures and groups, with which Catherine the Great furnished the cabinet in the pavilion on the Rodelbergen in the park of Oranienbaum Palace. See Pietzsch, Catalogue Meissen for the Tsars, No. 168 with illustration 41; P. von Spee, Classicist Porcelain Sculpture, (dissertation), Bonn, 2004, catalogue number 92, pages 293f. A large partly mounted figure group "Neptune and Thetis" for the "Great Russian Order" of Catherine the Great. Trident added. Partly minor chipped. Restored. Crossed swords marks. Meissen. 2nd half 19th century.