PORCELAIN DINNER PLATE FROM THE SWAN SERVICE FOR HEINRICH GRAF VON BR蹾L.
Meissen. Moulding 1738-1739. Model Johann Joachim Kaendler; 1736.

Porcelain; decorated in colours and gold. Border with shell-moulded ground and wavy rim contour. In the centre; in front of sheel structures in relief; a pair of swans on water in motion with fish and shells. On the left side standing heron with carp in its beak; another heron flying over the scene. Framed on both sides with reed. Along the edge of the border stylized three-leaf frieze in gold. On the border the large alliance crest Br黨l-Kolowrat-Krakowsk?with flanking lions above the flying heron; as well as three larger bouquets with Indian flowers and smaller blossoms scattered. ?23cm.
Swords mark. Condition C.

Literature:
Exhibition catalogue: Schwanenservice - Meissener Porzellan f黵 Heinrich Graf von Br黨l; ed.: Ulrich Pietsch; Dresden 2000.
To the model of the present plate cf. p.155; cat.no.24.

Heinrich Graf von Br黨l; who was the director of the Meissen porcelain manufacture since March 1733 and who was raised to Imperial Count in 1737; was known for his pompous celebrations. In order to organize large banquets with an equippement corresponding to his function as the Royal Polish and Electoral Saxonian Secret Cabinet Minister; the Meissen manufacture was to create a splendid service with large centre pieces; tureens and candlesticks. The first trial plates with various versions of decorations were made between 1736 and 1737. In the second half of 1737 Br黨l decided in favour of the swan service; which was subsequently produced in the manfacture after the models by Kaendler;
Eberlein and Ehder until 1742.
"The commission of Heinrich Graf von Br黨l for the swan service already made the evolution of table services of porcelain; which began ca. 1730; reached its artistic climax. Never before a service of such a range and with such a lavish richness concerning the plastic design had been produced; (...)". [translation]
(from: exhibition cat. Schwanenservice; 2000; p.24).Art trade; Van Ham.