- 15
A Meissen figure of a goldfinch circa 1745
Estimate
1,000 - 1,500 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- porcelain
- 14cm., 5 1/2 in. high
modelled by J. J. Kändler, with distinctive red face before a white flash, brown plumage and yellow-edged wings, his head turned to the right, perched on a short stump with simple oak foliage (typical chips and losses to leaves)
Provenance
The Collections of the Earls Beauchamp, Madresfield Court, Worcestershire, with 50734 in black enamel and bearing paper label inscribed 254
Sotheby's New York, 17th May 1980, lot 194
Sotheby's New York, 17th May 1980, lot 194
Condition
chips and losses to applied leaves on base
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
There is no doubt that the bird represented here is a European goldfinch, Carduelis Carduelis, but it seems that both English and German languages had two words for the bird in the eighteenth century, Distelfink (Thistle finch) and Stieglitz (Goldfinch), and that Kändler modelled examples of both. It is hard to disentangle what difference he saw between them.
Kändler's workbooks record his modelling of what he refers to as Distelfinken in September/October of 1740, in September of 1741 and again, with Reinecke, in October 1747.
Meanwhile, also in October 1747, Kändler records '14. Einen Stieglitz nach dem Leben poussiert...15. Noch einen darzu gehörigen Stieglitz gegen diesen zu setzen Welcher eine andere action hat' [14. A Goldfinch modelled from the life...15. Another Goldfinch as a pair, performing a different action].