A fine pair of Louis XV ormolu-mounted Meissen figures of a toper and seamstress circa 1746-49

modelled by Johann Friedrich Eberlein, the seated seamstress or lacemaker wearing a pale turquoise bodice, puce skirt with white apron, the seated figure of the toper wearing a fur hat, iron-red jacket and white trousers, holding a jug in his left hand and a goblet upraised in the right. both mounted in ormolu as candelabra with two scroll branches set with Vincennes flowers and gilt-metal leaves, on rococo bases superbly chased and pierced with foliate scrolls

The Property of a Lady, sold in these Rooms, 11th May 1962, lot 145

The female figure of the seamstress or lacemaker, traditionally said to represent the court lacemaker, Barbara Uttmann, is mentioned in Erbelein's records in 1746 as "Hollandisch Bauer-Mägdgen, so da sitzet und nehet..." [a Dutch peasant girl who sits and sews]. A similar figure is illustrated by M.Kunze-Köllensperger, Collection Franz E. Burda, no.82. The figure of the drinker has also traditionally been referred to as a Dutchman, and occasionally a Pole. The crowned 'C'  poinçon was used in France between 1745 and 1749.