Meĭsen--T︠S︡arskomu Selu

In 2010, 300 items of Meissen porcelain from the private collection of Kurt Krockenberger (Remshalden-Granbach, Germany) were displayed at the Catherine Palace in Tsarskoe Selo. The exhibition had a symbolic significance as its opening coincided with both the 300th anniversary of Europe's first porcelain factory at Meissen and the 300th anniversary of the foundation of the first palace at Tsarskoe Selo. Meissen porcelain attracted worldwide attention from the moment of its invention and enjoyed particular fame in Russia, where among its admirers and buyers were the empresses Elizabeth Petrovna and Catherine II, the Stroganov and Yusupov families, and the great goldsmith and jeweller Carl Fabergé. Presented in the catalogue are some early pieces on oriental motifs (Golden Chinese figures, Flowers of the Indies), harbor scenes, romantic subjects in Watteau's style (with ladies and cavaliers in park settings), hunting and military scenes, views of Meissen, Dresden and other cities. Also here are rococo sculptures modeled by J.J. Kändler (crinoline-clad dames, pink-cheeked cupids, comical musicans of the Monkey Choir series). This cleverly designed and beautifully illustrated book provides a glimpse into the historical European center of porcelain production. Summary written by John W. Emerich, Bronze Horseman Literary Agency.