A rare Meissen bust of the Madonna Urstück No.1 of 11, circa 1925

modelled by Professor Richard Langer as a half-length bust of a young woman with he right hand raised, her head slightly tilted, wrapped in a large robe

Please note that there is some restoration to the base and front of the figure. There is a 1 1/2 inch by 3/4 inch flat chip under the back right corner. There s some restoration (spray) to the base and the lower part of the drapery at the front - perhaps covering cracks or firing cracks. It is impossible to see the extent of any damage. There is also spray on her right wrist and her left fingers.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The sculptor Richard Langer was introduced to the Meissen manufactory by Paul Scheurich as early as 1913, though the first models were only purchased from him in 1919. The manufactory director, Max Adolf Pfeiffer, wrote to the sculptor in December 1924, thanking him for photographs of a new model for which he expressed his great enthusiasm. That model - the Madonna - was produced in porcelain the following year, and Pfeiffer even had one in his office, writing to Langer that this "completely wonderful piece gives me pleasure every day." See C.Marusch-Krohn, Meissener Porzellan 1918-1933 Die Pfeifferzeit, pp.121ff., and ill.104, for another example of the model in the Grassi-Museum, Leipzig. Another example was sold in these Rooms, 2nd June 2005, lot 77.