74 - Magnificent Meissen "Elements" vase titled "The Earth" from the "Four Elements" series

Magnificent Meissen "Elements" vase titled "The Earth" from the "Four Elements" series A naturalistically designed rock base transitions into a baluster-shaped body with a curved, godron-decorated neck, encircled by leafy branches. On the front, relief-carved hunting scenes depict red deer and wild boar—some fleeing, others being attacked by hunting dogs. On the back, an arrangement of hunting attributes and trophies, surrounded by scattered insects and butterflies. Crowning the lid is the goddess Diana, seated on a tree trunk and wearing a crescent moon crown, representing the element of earth and the hunt, accompanied by a dog. Holding a bow in her left hand, with a killed hare at her feet. Polychrome painting with gold accents. Designed by Johann Joachim Kaendler, ca. 1741/42. Restored; partially repaired; sword mark. Height: 66 cm. Elector Frederick Augustus II, son of Augustus the Strong, commissioned the court sculptor Johann Joachim Kaendler in 1741/42 to create a five-piece vase set depicting the four elements as a gift for the French King Louis XV, to secure his alliance. However, due to the changed political situation resulting from the War of the Austrian Succession (1740–1748), the four element vases ultimately remained in Dresden. See Cat. Pietsch, Porzellan Parforce, No. 65; Albiker, p. 96ff.; Loesch, Cat. *The Porcelain Cabinet*, p. 264ff. with fig. 66.1 and No. 68; Dresden State Art Collections, Inv. No. PE 106. A large porcelain vase representing the element “Earth” with applied and painted decoration and crowned by a figure of Diana, goddess of the hunt. Restored. Partially chipped. Crossed swords mark. Meissen. Second half of the 19th century.