Meissen (1734)

In the 1730s numerous large figures of animals were made at the porcelain factory in Meissen. The master modeller, Johann Joachim Kändler, made several models of exotic animals. These were based on careful observation from life. In June 1734 Kändler noted that he had spent two days at Moritzburg modelling various birds kept there, among them this cockatoo. In September Kändler described his cockatoo in a report. This model was used for life-size porcelain sculptures, although a smaller version was also introduced. It is more than evident that Kändler had indeed seen a real cockatoo. The bird is perched in a characteristic pose, with the crest raised. The feathers have been modelled with great precision, although the paint work is less detailled. Much of the surface was kept white.  www.rijskmuseum.nl/

Meissen (1734)

In the 1730s numerous large figures of animals were made at the porcelain factory in Meissen. The master modeller, Johann Joachim Kändler, made several models of exotic animals. These were based on careful observation from life. In June 1734 Kändler noted that he had spent two days at Moritzburg modelling various birds kept there, among them this cockatoo. In September Kändler described his cockatoo in a report. This model was used for life-size porcelain sculptures, although a smaller version was also introduced. It is more than evident that Kändler had indeed seen a real cockatoo. The bird is perched in a characteristic pose, with the crest raised. The feathers have been modelled with great precision, although the paint work is less detailled. Much of the surface was kept white.  www.rijskmuseum.nl/