ONE of Bendigo Art Gallery’s most-loved pieces from the permanent collection is back on display, after an extended period in store waiting for a safer display case to be constructed.
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The intricate details of hand-formed flowers and cupid would have made the creation of this work a slow process, with several additions at different stages of the firing process.
- Simone Bloomfield
The volunteer group, Friends of Bendigo Art Gallery, generously funded the new case.
The Meissen Vase was produced by the Meissen porcelain factory near Dresden in Germany, c1840.
The factory was founded by Augusta the Strong, Elector of Saxony, and set the standard which was emulated throughout Europe.
The Meissen vase was initially owned by Czar Alexander III of Russia. In 1890 the vase was presented to Baron von Mueller, renowned botanist and pharmacist and the first Director of the Botanical Gardens, in recognition and in exchange for a collection of rare plant specimens that Mueller had sent to the Czar.
It was at an auction, after the death of Baron von Mueller in 1896, that Bendigo artist and teacher Arthur T Woodward purchased the Meissen Vase.
Woodward later lent the Meissen vase to the gallery for the citizens of Bendigo to enjoy.
The vase was purchased in 1926 from Woodward after being on permanent display for many years.
The Meissen vase was cast in three pieces – the base, vase and cover.
The intricate details of hand-formed flowers and cupid would have made the creation of this work a slow process, with several additions at different stages of the firing process.
The painted pastoral scene decorating the vase is in the style of French artist Antoine Watteau. Another quirky detail is the addition of butterflies and beetles nestled amongst the flowers. Aspects of the Rococo style that was resurrected in the 1830s are highlighted through the gilded scrolls and lively lines of decoration.
Bendigo Art Gallery is fortunate to hold a small number of other works from the Meissen factory including Seated Monkey (19th century) and various sets of teacups and saucers dating from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Seated Monkey is also currently out on display. The Meissen vase can be viewed in its wonderful new purpose built case, in Drury Court, at the Bendigo Art Gallery.
The gallery opens from 10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday and public holidays.
