Porzellansammlung: Triumph of the Blue Swords

Deckel eines Teeservices mit Galatea-Plastik

Triumph of the Blue Swords. Meissen Porcelain for Aristocracy and Bourgeoisie 1710 - 1815

The exhibition presents a comprehensive overview of Meissen Porcelain® art from the Baroque to the Biedermeier era. Meissener Porzellan® (Meissen Porcelain) has never before been displayed in this context alongside works of art on loan from all around the world. The Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden are taking the anniversary of the invention of European porcelain as an opportunity to exhibit Meissen Porcelain for the first time in the building which August the Strong dedicated to the presentation of the royal porcelain treasures from the Far East and from Meissen – the Japanisches Palais.

Exhibition Site Zwinger

DATES 08/05/2010—29/08/2010

In 1710 August the Strong established the first European porcelain manufactory in Meissen. Thereafter, Meissen Porcelain swiftly became an indispensable status symbol for the European aristocracy. Today, it continues to be the epitome of sophisticated table culture and luxurious room décor. In order to create an appropriate setting in which to indulge his “maladie de porcelaine”, the Elector planned to convert the Japanisches Palais into a Porcelain Palace. This project, however, was never completed.

eine bemalte Porzellanvase — **Vase, Meissen, 1726** Bemalt von Johann Gregorius Höroldt; Porzellan; Höhe: 39,7cm

The exhibition “Triumph of the Blue Swords” encompasses a total of around 800 porcelain items, including a large number of the holdings of the Dresden collection that are not normally on public display. They are complemented by a wide range of items on loan from museums and collections around the world in places as diverse as California, Moscow, New York, London, Paris, Prague and Budapest. The development and manufacture of porcelain, which has previously only been demonstrated with reference to a small number of specimens, will be presented in detail, drawing upon the latest research findings.

**Triumph der Blauen Schwerter & Zauber der Zerbrechlichkeit**

The exhibition focuses on the period up to 1815, during which Meissen developed the whole spectrum of possibilities that would thereafter be open to European porcelain. In these first hundred years, Meissen was the epitome of European porcelain art, long defying the competition from the newly founded manufactories and even managing to survive the crises of the Seven Years War and the Napoleonic Wars, right down to the present day. Until 1756 Meissen was the predominant manufactory in Europe; after that, the leading role was taken over by Sèvres, and Meissen had to reposition itself. Unlike previous presentations, this exhibition consciously integrates the concept of crisis and new beginnings.

The exhibition pays particular attention to the table service. For one thing because, as the most important product of the Meissen Manufactory, it has had a profound influence on table culture in general. For another, because it especially underlines the importance of Meissen Porcelain for diplomatic gifts. Among the items on display are two table services commissioned by the Prussian King Friedrich II: a service designed on a Prussian/musical theme with a green scale-pattern rim, and the set known as the “Möllendorff” service, which was a gift for the Prussian General Möllendorff. Both services are opulently displayed on a dinner table. The Meissen Manufactory was the first to produce a table service made of porcelain.

ein Tafelleuchter aus Porzellan — **Johann Joachim Kaendler, Johann Friedrich Eberlein, Tafelleuchter aus dem Schwanensevice, um 1739/40** Porzellan; Höhe: 46,5; Breite: 36 cm

Die Publikation zur Sonderausstellung

Triumph der blauen Schwerter

(78, 00 €, ISBN 978-3-86502-238-7), Englisch (ISBN 978-3-86502-248-6)

Hauptsponsor: verbundnetz Gas AG; Meissen Manufaktur; Schlösserland Sachsen

Kooperationspartner: DB Bahn; DVB; J.J. Darboven

Medienpartner: Sächsische Zeitung; Weltkunst

Further Exhibitions