8 June 2016 Russian Art and Photography Auctions
8 June 2016
* 312. A Porcelain Figurine of Leonardo da Vinci
POPOV MANUFACTORY, MOSCOW, 1840s
3,000-4,000 GBP
Height 20.5 cm.
Realistically modelled, wearing a black Renaissance outfit decorated with gold, a matching hat and white gloves, leaning on a marble column with a gilt rim, on a circular shaped pink base with a chain ornament, with an 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
manufactory decided to create a series of of figurines
based on illustrious people of that time. 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 would have been among 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.