"Day" and "Night" in sculpture: the history of the allegorical group of the Meissen manufactory

Among the numerous treasures of the Meissen Manufactory, the sculptural group "Day" and "Night" is a vivid example of unparalleled craftsmanship that combines classical aesthetics with an emotional undertone.

The Meissen manufactory, founded in 1710 by August the Strong, Elector of Saxony, is considered the first porcelain factory in Europe. The early years were marked by the production of exquisite porcelain, often inspired by the Chinese and Japanese styles that were highly sought after at the time.

However, at the beginning of the 19th century, the Meissen manufactory, like many art institutions of that time, underwent a transformation. The prevailing artistic currents of neoclassicism and romanticism influenced the creation of complex and emotionally saturated works, an example of which is the sculptural group "Day" and "Night".

Created in the second half of the 19th century, a pair of porcelain sculptures perfectly embodies the duality of time. The group consists of sculptural images of a boy and a girl with attributes of the appropriate time of day. The figures are made according to the models of Heinrich Schwabe, an artist of the Meissen porcelain manufactory.

This allegorical group was very popular during the 19th and early 20th centuries and is known in numerous repetitions.

"Day" is a celebration of light and vitality. The figure of the boy, depicted in the prime of life, is decorated with symbols of the sun, which emphasize the warmth and energy associated with daytime - a torch, a sunflower, a rose, a lark.

In contrast, "Night" represents the calm and mystery of the night hours. The girl's figure is depicted in a state of rest, with details related to the night - an owl, a rattle. The stars in the wreath enhance the feeling of night peace.

These masterpieces have left a distinct mark on the art world, and demonstrate the possibilities of porcelain as a medium for conveying complex emotions and concepts.

Source: meissen.com