Dresden Porcelain The invention of porcelain in Germany in the early 18th century had a significant influence on the development of decorative and applied arts in Europe. Europeans had long tried to uncover the secret of Chinese porcelain until the support of the Elector of Saxony, Frederick Augustus I, in 1710 led to the opening of the first porcelain factory near the city of Meissen. Porcelain became a symbol of aristocratic ambitions. As one of the most significant diplomatic gifts, porcelain helped to develop and maintain political contacts. The best artists and sculptors worked on creating forms and patterns for painting, and their finished products were rightfully considered works of art. History of Dresden Porcelain Dresden in the 18th century was the cultural and economic center of Saxony, and it was here that products made in Meissen were sold. Therefore, Meissen porcelain was often called Dresden Porcelain. Porcelain manufacturing became a prestigious, profitable, and rapidly developing business. Different types of enterprises existed. There were full-cycle factories, which produced fully finished products, as well as supplying "blank" forms, which were white, unpainted forms for painting. Special painting workshops were responsible for decorating these forms. From 1855 to 1944, over two hundred art studios operated in Dresden. The painting style represented a combination of Meissen and Vienna school traditions, with a predominance of floral motifs or narrative painting. The works of Dresden decorators competed with the beauty and picturesque nature of Meissen's craftsmanship. Dresden Porcelain does not refer to a specific manufacturer. It is a general term, an artistic direction used to refer to products made in the German city of Dresden. "Dresden Porcelain" also refers to exquisite statuettes with lavish, airy skirts executed in the rococo style using lace porcelain technique."Ora. Since the technology of porcelain lace was widely presented by masters from Dresden, porcelain began to be called by the name of the city. Porcelain lace figurines were created by porcelain manufactories: Meissen, Volkstedt in Zitzendorf, and Unterweissbach in Thuringia. The technique of porcelain lace was first used in Europe by Antoine Muller at the Sitzendorfer Porzellanmanufaktur in Thuringia. This method of decoration originated in ancient China, where silk was used to decorate porcelain products. Porcelain lace figurines gained immediate recognition and popularity, and even the largest factories in Germany, including Dresden, used this technology. Since the Dresden workshops had access to the international market, the name "Dresden porcelain" became associated with lace porcelain. Most Dresden porcelain products are marked with the Latin letter "D" or the word "Dresden." In some cases, the mark consists of an image of a blue crown with the word "Dresden." Determining the origin of items created before the mid-19th century can be difficult. After the marks of art studios and factories were registered in the Reich Trademark Registry, their identification became much easier. Features of Dresden porcelain: By the mid-19th century, Dresden saw a rise in popularity of artistic workshops. The revival of the Rococo style influenced all aspects of interior design, but it was the Dresden decorators who were most successful in incorporating this style in porcelain decoration. Almost all Dresden porcelain items were created and decorated by hand. Dresden porcelain stood out for its richness in sculptural ornamentation. Made using a complex technique, they represent some of the best examples of decorative elite porcelain. Vases and fruit bowls were adorned with various details in the form of putti figurines, fThe text describes the decorations and sculptures made of porcelain in Dresden. The decorations feature intricate designs with floral garlands and golden accents, adding to the luxurious appearance of the plates, sugar bowls, and candy boxes. Dresden is also known for its porcelain figurines and sculptural groups. These sculptures depict pastoral scenes, children playing, gardeners, graceful dancers, and ballerinas. The most famous figurines in Dresden are the "crinoline groups," which portray various aspects of court life, dances, and sometimes romantic scenes. The porcelain figurines are characterized by their grace, delicate lines, and expressiveness. The characters in the porcelain scenes are dressed in elaborate lace attire, with a color palette of soft pink and blue tones, creating an illusion of weightlessness. The technique used to create lace-like porcelain involves draping the figurine in delicate lace, which is then dipped in a special porcelain slip. The piece is then fired at high temperatures, burning the fabric and leaving behind a delicate porcelain pattern. Early Dresden lace was fragile, as the firing temperature was not high enough, often resulting in chips and flaws. Decorating porcelain with lace requires great skill and precision. The fabric is gathered in intricate folds on collars, sleeves, and skirts. Excess slip can fill in the gaps in the lace during firing, resulting in a solid porcelain look.If the fabric is thin, it can tear. The work of making statuettes, the price of which is very high, is entrusted only to experienced artists. Each composition is unique, the reputation of exclusivity and luxury is associated with Dresden porcelain. Dresden porcelain. Style and design. Dresden products are characterized by a recognizable elegant appearance. Attention to detail, rich abundant modeling, beautiful painting are characteristic of luxurious lace sculpture groups, graceful statuettes, decorative vases and candle holders, and latticed boxes. The stylistics of porcelain sculpture was accompanied by significant influences from monumental sculpture, architecture, and painting. Dresden porcelain is characterized by elements of different styles. Fine interior plastic in the spirit of Baroque is distinguished by a bright emotional component, movement and dynamics, which is expressed by a diagonal, flying composition and an restless silhouette. The participants in the scenes are united in an inseparable group, there is wealth and variety of plastic forms. The Rococo style, which was more characteristic of Dresden porcelain, is characterized by subtlety, lightness, and joyful motifs. The style, named after the French word rocaille - a shell, originated in France in the 18th century. The outlines of shells, which gave the style its name, could be discerned in whimsical interweaving ornaments. Porcelain was decorated with floral garlands, decorative ornaments, and a carefully thought-out intricate design with an abundance of foliage, flowers, fruit, and curls. Popular motifs in small plastic were pastoral motifs, allegorical plots, domestic scenes, themes of ancient mythology, Eastern themes, and animalism. In addition to these themes, portraits, landscapes, social themes, and floral motifs were also common in the artistic design of porcelain. Dresden porcelain masters. In the Dresden art workshops, at the Saxon porcelain factory, some of the best artists and sculptors in the field of porcelain worked.Dresden porcelain. Thanks to their creative experiments, new forms and decorations were constantly being updated.
Among the well-known names of Dresden porcelain artists, Franziska Hirsch, Helena Wolfson, Ambrosius Lamma, and Karl Time can be mentioned.
Franziska Hirsch's porcelain is characterized by meticulous craftsmanship and paintings of exquisite floral compositions in the Meissen style, complemented by expressive accents. Porcelain painted in Helena Wolfson's workshop is rare and has both collectible and museum value. Handcrafted in small editions, these works are distinguished by highly artistic painting and excellent execution.
SP Dresden factory, owned by Karl Time, holds one of the most important places in Dresden porcelain. A key role in the company's success was played by Time's son-in-law, Karl August Künzsch. His beautiful and bright relief ornaments formed the stylistic feature of Dresden porcelain, which incorporated the best of what was created by leading European manufactories.
They also invited external artists to collaborate, such as graduates and teachers of the Dresden School of Applied Arts. Among the famous modelers of the factory were Reinhold Braunschmidt. In 1912, he created a famous and wonderfully executed series of Napoleon's military army. Joseph Dobner and Olaf Stoy worked on the models of the Saxon factory. The paintings were done by artists of the manufactory, including Ludwig Geyer, Hugo Rost, and Steffen Luksch.
Dresden porcelain products
Floral motifs were used to decorate porcelain decorative plates, boxes, flower vases, and interior vases. A floral bouquet with a large rose surrounded by small field flowers, poppies, cornflowers, carnations, forget-me-nots, was placed in the center of the composition, with plant ornaments complementing the main pattern placed around the edges.The lightness and airiness of the border were emphasized by the openwork decoration. Items with intricate shapes and adorned with gold decoration were highly valued by the aristocracy. Porcelain for interior decoration - panels, sculptures, vases, covered with luxurious gilded ornamentation, were combined with beautifully executed paintings - landscapes, portraits, and narrative scenes. Porcelain baskets were presented in a wide variety of shapes. They were adorned with incredibly beautiful and diverse floral variations. Exquisite ornamentation and harmonious decoration were particularly valued in festive tableware sets. Beautiful, elegant objects created a festive atmosphere and adorned the table, emphasizing the taste of the homeowner. Lace porcelain figurines are unique and magnificent. The compositions represent an exquisite spectacle, a small theatrical performance. The decoration is executed delicately, elegantly, and festively, attracting the eye and prompting admiration. Dresden porcelain. Prices Prices for Dresden porcelain are determined based on the period of creation, artistic composition, and complexity of the technique: hand painting, lace porcelain. Antique and vintage handmade items, complex sculptural compositions can reach a value of about one hundred thousand rubles or more. Figurines are valued at around twenty thousand rubles or more, porcelain tableware and small-sized figurines range from a few thousand to several tens of thousands of rubles. The use of Dresden porcelain today Dresden porcelain belongs to the category of elite porcelain. It has collector's and artistic value, and some models have museum significance. Porcelain tableware can be used for serving special events, to emphasize its status and respect for guests. Interior sculptures will become a beautiful decoration for the home and a splendid gift for esteemed and important individuals. Challenges when buying or selling Dresden porcelain When it comes to Dresden porcelain, there can be complex issues involved in buying or selling it.If we are talking about the direction of Dresdner lace porcelain, it is necessary to clarify that it includes several workshops and factories that operated in the Dresden area. When buying or selling porcelain, it is necessary to consult with specialists who will help determine the manufacturer, the period of creation, and the cost based on the hallmark and artistic features. Please note that antique Dresdner lace porcelain is very fragile and susceptible to mechanical damage and chipping. It is important to carefully inspect the item for defects and losses and inquire whether any restoration or repair work has been done, as this affects the price. Dresdner porcelain is known for its beautiful decor and high quality craftsmanship. Artists created beautiful objects with intricate designs in various artistic styles. German porcelain is highly respected and recognized among experts in decorative arts and antique collectors. If you wish to sell Dresdner porcelain, you can contact the antique experts at artpicture.ru. They can evaluate the porcelain based on photographs that can be provided through any convenient method. You can also consult with them in person by visiting our office. You will receive a professional appraisal and be offered a competitive purchase price. If you want to buy Dresdner porcelain or other antique items, the online store artpicture.ru offers authentic goods that have undergone expert evaluation.
