Fisherman: C.21-1954

Titles

Fisherman

Maker(s)

Factory: Meissen Porcelain Factory
Modeller: Kändler, Johann Joachim

Entities

• Figure

Categories

• Hard-paste porcelain

Description

Hard-paste porcelain painted in blue, green, yellow, flesh-pink, red, putt-coloured and black enamels. The fisherman is supported by a white tree stump on a low white circular base encrusted with coloured flowers and foliage. He stands with bended knees, bowed head, and leering mien. In his right hand he holds a large fish up to his shoulder, and a smaller fish in his left hand. The head and tail of two other fish protrude through his shirt. At his left side hangs a drab wallet, slung over his shoulder by a rope. His unkempt black hair hangs raggedly over his right shoulder. He wears a red flower pot hat with a drab turned-up brim, and short blue coat with yellow cuffs and lining, the right sleeve turned up above the elbow. A loose white shirt is fastened under his chin by one gold button, and his putty coloured breeches are rolled up above his knees. His legs and feet are bare.

Notes

History note: Bought from Willy Lissauer, Berlin on March 28 1933 for £25

Legal notes

Given by Lord and Lady Fisher through the National Art Collections Fund

Place(s) associated

• Meissen ⪼ Saxony ⪼ Germany

Acquisition and important dates

Method of acquisition: Given (1954-01-14) by Fisher, Lord and Lady

Dating

18th Century, Mid
Circa 1740 CE - 1745 CE

Note

This figure of a fisherman was modelled by J.J. Kaendler in 1738, and was also worked on by Peter Reinicke in 1743. It was a companion to a figure of a woman selling fish (C.29-1954). On accession the figure was described as 'Drunken Fisherman' but in the factory records it is described simply as 'Eine Fischer' (Fisherman).