MacDougall's Russian Art Auctions 25 March 2015
25 March 2015
* 140.
A Porcelain Figurine of Leonardo da Vinci
6,000—8,000 GBP
POPOV MANUFACTORY, MOSCOW, 1840s
Height 20.5 cm.
with impressed manufactory mark
The rarely encountered porcelain figurines of Paolo Veronese, Leonardo da Vinci and Benvenuto Cellini, which are of great value to collectors, were created at the Popov factory in the mid-19th century.
All porcelain factories at that time worked in fiercely competitive conditions and were therefore forced to follow the dictates of fashion. In the context of growing general interest in the legacy of past times and particularly in the art of the Renaissance, the Popov factory decided to create a series of illustrious people of that period. Two models from this series are offered here at auction: Paolo Veronese and Leonardo da Vinci. It is not known for certain which artistic sources were used by the master craftsmen at the Popov factory when they developed these models, but they were obviously the most popular and recognisable portraits.
Notes on symbols:
* Indicates 5% Import Duty Charge applies.
Ω Indicates 20% Import Duty Charge applies.
§ Indicates Artist's Resale Right applies.
† Indicates Standard VAT scheme applies, and the rate of 20% VAT will be charged on both hammer price and premium.