A Meissen group of a doe and hounds circa 1758

the doe being run to earth by three hounds, raised on an oval mound base applied with flowers and leaves (minor restoration)

The Count Alcario Palmieri Collection, Christie's London, 28th March 1996, lot 86

Doe with restoration to right foreleg. Tiny chip to left ear.Minor chips to leaves and flowers.
"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."

This model probably started life as a sugar-paste table decoration for the Anne-Fest held at Schloss Moritzburg, for which the Meissen factory made a drawing, in July 1738 (see fig. 1).  It is, however, as late as 1758 that the group was modelled in porcelain, commissioned by the Parisian marchand-mercier Michel-Joseph Lair in 1758 (see fig. 2). In the meantime, Kändler had developed a slightly different version in April-May 1740, where the doe is dragged down to the ground by the dogs, as listed in his Taxa and work records:  'Einen gejagt, und von Hunden zu Boden gerissenen Hirsch.' [One deer hunted, and pulled in the back by dogs.] Two white models are listed in the Warsaw Conditorei inventory (1750), no. 90. 

Another example is illustrated by Albiker (1959), no. 200.