Saturn on a Chariot

Meissen porcelain manufactory. Part of the so-called Oranienbaum set. Model by V. M. Acier. 1772-1774. Porcelain, white glaze

The figurines are part of the 40-piece set of porcelain compositions made at the Meissen porcelain manufactory in 1772–1774. The set was commissioned by Empress Catherine II of Russia, and is referred to in the history of the manufactory as “The Great Russian Commission” (Grosse Russische Bestellung). The set of allegorical and mythological compositions was meant to celebrate the victory in the Battle of Çeşme (1770, during the First Russo-Turkish War in 1768-1774), and to glorify Catherine II. It was meant to serve as an interior decoration in the hall specially designed for this purpose at the Katalnaya Gorka (Sledge Hill) pavilion of the Oranienbaum palace ensemble.

Unlike the richly decorated and gilded figurines made for Oranienbaum, the statuettes at the Mikkel Museum are covered in white glaze. The manufactory’s mark with two crossed swords and a dot, as well as the number 30, on the bottom of the figurines suggests that these figurines were made simultaneously with the originals, but were damaged or became defective in the process of baking, and were therefore classified as trial or defective products, which were replaced by acceptable pieces.

Venus on a Chariot

Meissen porcelain manufactory. Part of the so-called Oranienbaum set. Model by J. J. Kändler (1706–1775). 1774. Porcelain, white glaze

The figurines are part of the 40-piece set of porcelain compositions made at the Meissen porcelain manufactory in 1772–1774. The set was commissioned by Empress Catherine II of Russia, and is referred to in the history of the manufactory as “The Great Russian Commission” (Grosse Russische Bestellung). The set of allegorical and mythological compositions was meant to celebrate the victory in the Battle of Çeşme (1770, during the First Russo-Turkish War in 1768-1774), and to glorify Catherine II. It was meant to serve as an interior decoration in the hall specially designed for this purpose at the Katalnaya Gorka (Sledge Hill) pavilion of the Oranienbaum palace ensemble.

Unlike the richly decorated and gilded figurines made for Oranienbaum, the statuettes at the Mikkel Museum are covered in white glaze. The manufactory’s mark with two crossed swords and a dot, as well as the number 30, on the bottom of the figurines suggests that these figurines were made simultaneously with the originals, but were damaged or became defective in the process of baking, and were therefore classified as trial or defective products, which were replaced by acceptable pieces.