19th Century Pair of English Figurines, Bruhl's Tailor And His Wife

19th Century Pair of English Figurines, Bruhl's Tailor And His Wife

Presenting a rare pair of 19th century English soft paste porcelain figures depicting Bruhl’s Tailor and his wife after the 18th century porcelain grouping modeled by J. J. Kandler of Meissen fame. They portray the comical figures of a man and woman astride their billy goats loaded down with all of their worldly goods.

Legend has it that the Meissen modeler J. J. Kandler created these pieces as a comeuppance for the ambitious tailor of Count Heinrich Bruhl, a favorite of Augustus III. It seems the tailor overstepped his bounds by asking the Count for an invitation to dine at his supper table. Count Bruhl was appalled that such a lowly subject would dare to suggest dining at the same table as Royalty. To put the presumptuous tailor in his place, Bruhl had Kandler design figurines to set at the table in place of the tailor and thus fulfill his request. The tailor was unceremoniously escorted out of town along with his brazen wife.

Since the early 19th century, several factories have reproduced these figures. This is a charming early pair with very fine detail in excellent condition. They sustain a few minor age related flea bite chips.

Size: 9 ¾” Height by 7 ½” Length.

Item ID: PS110201

$5,200 USD

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