A Marcolini Meissen biscuit group of Diana and Endymion late 18th century

modelled by Christian Gottfried Jüchtzer, the goddess embracing the sleeping figure of Endymion, seated on rockwork on a rectangular base

According to the manufactory work records, Jüchtzer modelled this group between February and April or May of 1786 (quoted by T.H. Clarke, 'Johann Joachim Friedrich Elsasser's Engravings of the "Academic" and Marcolini Periods, 1785-1792', in Mitteilungsblatt der Keramikfreunde der Schweiz, 103/1988, no.151. For a discussion of the classical models produced at Meissen at this time, see Dorothee Heim, 'Götter für das Bürgertum: Antikenrezeption in der Meißner Porzellanmanufaktur', in 'Liebe, Moral und Sentiment - Das Meißner Porzellan mit dem Stern', exhibition catalogue, Stadtmuseum Schloss Hoyerswerda, 16th September 2005 to 20th January 2006, pp.25ff., and p.49 for the example in the Dresden porcelain collection. Another example of this rare group was sold in these Rooms, 21st November 2006, lot 16.