Nymphenburg China Porcelain “Lying Italian Greyhound” Dog Figurine by P.J. Mene

Porcelain : Decorative & Figurines

 

Submitted for your consideration is a beautiful porcelain figurine of an Italian greyhound at rest from Nymphenburg, Germany. Nymphenburg porcelain can trace its ancestry back to 1747, when the first factory was founded in Neudeck Castle, commissioned by Joseph the Crown Prince of Bavaria. The factory was moved to Nymphenburg Castle in 1761, and there it remains to this very day.

According to Judith Miller in her Buyer’s Guide to Ceramic Figures, “Nymphenburg was among the main German porcelain producing centers of the 18th Century.” She goes on to explain that “Good quality, hand-painted porcelain figures remained relatively expensive- as are the porcelain figures still being made at factories such as Meissen and Nymphenburg today.” Just as Ms. Miller favorably compares the quality of the two sites, it is certain that pieces from Nymphenburg are nearly as rare and difficult to come by as their Meissen counterparts. P.J. Mene designed this particular piece that was first issued in 1909. This version dates from the middle of the last century. Mene was considered by many to be one of the greatest porcelain and bronze sculptors of his time. He frequently exhibited at the Salons of Paris and was often accorded a medal for his submissions. He was also awarded the gold medal at the London exhibitions of 1855 and 1861. A perfectionist by nature, Mene insisted that every aspect of his creations be reflected in the castings that made him famous. This work is a prime example of his artistry. The greyhound is depicted resting, his hind legs and tail pointing forward. His color is a gorgeous shade of grey, the hue that gives the animal its name. Please note the way Mene shows the strength of the animal in his muscular frame. His expression is one of devotion and we can imagine that he is staring at his master, awaiting his next command. He is quite a noble animal! The figurine measures 5.25” by 2.25” and its condition is excellent if not Mint. We can offer this lovely artwork by a master sculptor for $725.00.

Item ID: RL-5647