design by Johann Joachim Kaendler, manufactured by Staatliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Meissen GmbHGerman, 1706–1775Figure
Can I see it?
Not on view at present
Where is “Figure” now? Collection: Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Not on view at present. Checked September 25, 2026.
London, United Kingdom
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the sculpture
The figure of Minerva is a substantial and sublimely modelled piece of ceramic sculpture from the best period of Meissen. White figures for the dessert table were an innovation at the Meissen porcelain factory of the 1740s, replacing earlier figures made of sugar or wax. They were produced for a relatively short period, as polychrome figures became more popular and large table centrepieces went out of fashion during the late 1750s. White porcelain figures are now extremely rare.
Read on
The figure was modelled by Meissen's chief modeller, J.J. Kändler early in 1747, probably as part of a large table centrepiece but is was also produced as an individual statuette. A few versions are known, decorated with painted enamels in bright colours. Only one other white version of the Minerva has survived. These other versions show that the figure originally had a large plume on top of the helmet. The plume has been broken off our version and the helmet has been restored to conceal the damage.
Victoria and Albert Museum
Details
- Accession number
- C.230-2014
In the catalog
Sources
- Victoria and Albert Museum
- Image: Victoria and Albert Museum — © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
