255 - Pair of rare Meissen figurine sets, “Gray Horse with Horse Leader”

Pair of rare Meissen figurine sets, “Gray Horse with Horse Leader” Matching pairs. On an oval pedestal richly decorated with sculpted leaf and flower tendrils, a gray horse rearing up on its front legs. Standing to the side is an Oriental (Turk) in a pale yellow, belted cloak, harem pants, and a turban, or a Moor in a yellow caftan, holding the reins and reining in the horse. Polychrome painting with subtle gold accents. Designed by Johann Joachim Kaendler, ca. 1750. Reins made of wire. Partially restored; condition: fair; sword mark. Height: 24 cm – 27 cm. The figurine group “Turk with a Spanish Horse” was designed as a counterpart to the figurine “Moor with a Spanish Horse,” which was crafted (around 1720) based on a painting attributed to the Dresden court painter Johann Adolph Pöppelmann and titled “Moor with a Horse” (c. 1720). The depiction refers to an equestrian maneuver known as the courbette. Court servants from distant lands were not only able to celebrate contact with what were then exotic countries but also served as a demonstration of power toward them. In addition, a pair of figurines served as a table decoration for Count von Brühl. See Pietsch, Meissen Porcelain Sculpture, No. 26, p. 30; Albiker, Meissen Porcelain Animals, Plates 245–248; Cat. State Porcelain Manufactory Meissen, Figures II, Sheet 14. A rare pair of porcelain figure groups depicting horse tamers, titled “Turkish Man with Spanish Horse” and “Blackamoor with Spanish Horse,” modeled by J. J. Kaendler. Wire reins. Partially and insignificantly restored. Chipped. Crossed swords mark. Meissen. Mid-18th century.