Large, rare Meissen figurine group "Brother and Sister" Girl standing on a rectangular, fluted and gold-contoured plinth in country dress made of a pale yellow skirt with an Indian floral pattern, white blouse and blue bodice. Her long light brown hair is plaited to the side in loose braids. She is lowering her gaze to a deer, the enchanted little brother who is feeding her with care. Polychrome painting. Designed by Johann Christian Hirt, 1881, after a fairytale figure by the Brothers Grimm. Signed "J. Hirt". Model no. M 163, unmarked; sword mark. H. 48 cm. Born in Fürth in 1836, the sculptor Johann Christian Hirt (1836 - 1897) studied classical sculpture under Max von Widnmann at the Munich Academy from 1855. He became known above all for his commissions for statues, including for public monuments and buildings. He produced several marble sculptures for King Ludwig II of Bavaria to decorate the castles of Linderhof and Herrenchiemsee. He created allegorical and mythological figures as well as numerous models from German legends and poetry. The Meissen manufactory produced some of Hirt's large sculptures in 1881. In 1888, it acquired a centerpiece and candlesticks for the Arts and Crafts Exhibition in Munich. Cf. Jedding, Meissen Porcelain, p. 150, Thieme-Becker, XVII, p. 144. A rare large early 20th C. porcelain figure group modelled by J. Chr. Hirt. Insignificantly restored. Crossed swords mark. Meissen. Early 20th c.