Past Exhibition

Repnin Bases

The exhibition also included two bases designed and crafted by Johann Christian Neuber for the display of Meissen porcelain groups. These bases were part of a much larger diplomatic gift from Friedrich Augustus III to Prince Nikolai Wasilyevitch Repnin (1734–1801), the Russian emissary at the Treaty of Teschen and Baron de Breteuil's counterpart.

Of equal value to the Breteuil Table, the gift originally included a Meissen porcelain service of several hundred pieces and a large centerpiece composed of seven bases of varying heights, each supporting an allegorical group made at the Royal Porcelain Manufactory of Meissen. Of the seven bases, only these two have been identified. Although the Meissen groups and service offered to Repnin are now lost, two groups made at the same time and from the same molds remained in Dresden, allowing a partial reconstruction of Repnin's exceptional centerpiece.

porcelain figures on round base with stones and gems

Repnin Base
From the Centerpiece presented by Friedrich Augustus III, Elector of Saxony, to Nikolai Wasilyevitch Repnin
Dresden, 1780
Gilt bronze, amethyst, agate, jasper, petrified wood, carnelian, and marble
The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore
Photo Michael Bodycomb

 

Russia's Flourishing Trade
Michel Victor Acier at the Royal Porcelain Manufactory of Meissen
Made at the same time and from the same mold as the group presented by Friedrich Augustus III, Elector of Saxony, to Nikolai Wasilyevitch Repnin
Meissen, 1780
Hard-paste porcelain
Porzellansammlung, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen, Dresden
Photo Michael Bodycomb

porcelain figure upon round base with gemstones

Repnin Base
From the Centerpiece presented by Friedrich Augustus III, Elector of Saxony, to Nikolai Wasilyevitch Repnin
Dresden, 1780
Gilt bronze, amethyst, agate, jasper, petrified wood, carnelian, and marble
Private collection
Photo Michael Bodycomb

 

The History of Saxony
Michel Victor Acier at the Royal Porcelain Manufactory of Meissen
Made at the same time and from the same mold as the group presented by Friedrich Augustus III, Elector of Saxony, to Nikolai Wasilyevitch Repnin
Meissen, 1780
Hard-paste porcelain
Porzellansammlung, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen, Dresden
Photo Michael Bodycomb