128 - GERMANY, Nymphenburg

GERMANY, Nymphenburg Two large white-enameled figures depicting Mary at the foot of the cross and Saint John at the foot of the cross. They stand on a square base, draped in sculptural fabrics. Their gaze is directed toward Christ. Both figures bear incised marks on the front. Designed by F.A. Bustelli. 18th century, circa 1756–1760. Height: 31 cm and 32 cm (Mary: Firing crack on the back; repaired corner on the base) (St. John: Repaired fingers and belt; firing crack on the base) Model reproduced in “Nymphenburger Porzellan,” Sammlung Bäuml Collection, by Alfred Ziffer, pp. 36 and 37. In the Bäuml Collection, the figures reproduced are the only known examples with polychrome glazing to date. F.A. Bustelli studied sculpture in the workshop of Johann Baptist Straub (1737–1784) at the Bavarian court. He was a woodcarver, and these models with drapery are derived from his wooden models. Christ is flanked by these two sculptures.