A rare assembled pair of Meissen models of cats circa 1740-45

bidding is closed

Description

heights 7 and 7 1/4 in.
17.8 and 18.4 cm

modelled by Johann Joachim Kändler, the first with striped grey coat and yellow eyes, holding a mouse in its mouth, the second with patchy brown coat with green eyes, its right paw raised to its mouth, on grassy bases, the second with crossed swords mark in blue and thrice impressed 34. Lower half of first cat's tail overpainted, some restoration and damage to mouse, ears of second cat restored.

Provenance

(cat with mouse) The Estate of Baron Max von Goldschmidt-Rothschild, Frankfurt, sold, Parke-Bernet Galleries, Inc., New York, March 11th, 1950, lot 232

Catalogue Note

Kändler's work records for September 1736 state: "2 Stck Kleine Katzgen aufs Lager in Thon poussiert, davon eine sitzend, die andere aber, wie sie eine Maus im Moule hat, vorgestellt ist. [2 pieces small cats modelled in clay in the storehouse, of which one is seated, but the other is represented with a mouse in the mouth]."