拍品 239
  • 239

A FULDA PORCELAIN PORTRAIT MEDALLION OF HEINRICH VON BIBRA, PRINCE-BISHOP AND ABBOT OF FULDA, 1765-70 |

估價
1,000 - 1,500 GBP
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描述

  • porcelain
  • 4.4cm., 1 3/4 in. diameter
in the white, in profile, the edge of the medallion embossed with the inscription 'HENRICUS D G EPIS ET ABB FULD S R.I.PR., with a metal brooch fitting,

Condition

In good appearance. The medallion not examined out of its fitting. There is a minute kiln abrasion to the Prince Bishop's robe lapel. The fitting perhaps of a later date.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

拍品資料及來源

In 1764, Prince Bishop Heinrich VIII von Bibra, (the third member of the von Bibra family to be chosen as a Prince-bishop, a title he held until his death 1788) founded the Hochfürstlich Fuldische Porzellanmanufaktur on the grounds of the former Fulda faience factory. 

The Prince Bishop was assisted by J. P. Schick, a painter, court official and businessman, and Nikolaus Paul, who had experience in porcelain production having previously worked at Höchst, Berlin, Fürstenberg and Weesp. From 1765 on, the factory produced table wares and figures, and it became renowned for its fine white porcelain paste and for the quality of its painting. In 1768, Wenzel Neu arrived from Kloster Veilsdorf and was appointed Modellmeister. 

Heinrich von Bibra, Prince Bishop of Fulda, Arch chancellor to the Holy Roman Empress, was ruler of Fulda from 1759 to 1788 and the founder and principal patron of the Fulda porcelain manufactory.

He was born in 1711 as Karl Sigmund, in Schnabelwaid, Bayreuth, and in 1730 he entered the Benedictine Order where he received the name Heinrich. Upon his selection as Fürstbischof and Abbot of Fulda in 1759 he was forced to flee as a result of the Seven Years War. In the peace of 1763 he undertook the rebuilding of Fulda and its economy.

The abbreviated inscription on this rare medallion refers to his full title Heinricus Episcopus Abbas Princeps Fuldensis. The medallion is probably taken from the engraving by Ludwig Franz Weinbörner. A biscuit medallion depicting the Prince in slightly different costume was incorporated into Fulda porcelain cups likely to have been produced to mark his silver anniversary as Prince Bishop; see Ernst Kramer, Porzellan aus der Fuldaer Manufaktur, Fulda, 1989, pp. 34-35, the saucer with entwined monogramof this title ‘HEAPF’, and also Chistophe Fritzsche and Gregor Stasch, Hochfürstlich Fuldische Porzellainmanufaktur 1764-1789, Fulda, 1994. p. 163, no. 54 for a cup painted en-grisaille with portrait of the Prince attributed to Peter Joseph Angelé, the saucer with the same monogram. A further cup and saucer was sold at Christie’s London, 31st March 2008, lot 249.