A DECORATION OF A DESSERT TABLE SET OF EMPRESS CATHERINE II (A FRAGMENT)
Model makers: W.C.Meyer and V.E.Meyer
Konigliche Porzellan Manufaktur - Berlin
1770 – 1772. Replica of 1908
Glazed porcelain
Showcase 3-4-5
The table decoration of the dessert table set presented to Catherine II by the Prussian King Frederick II, symbolized the triumph of Empress of Russia in both domestic and in foreign policy.
The Central part of the table decoration portrays Catherine II sitting on the Throne under a canopy. Empress is surrounded by allegorical figures that manifest the virtues of her reign. Closest to Her are Justitia (Law) and Temis (Justice) that symbolize achievements in legislation. Hercules praises the wisdom of Catherine. Bellona, the goddess of war, reminds of the glorious victories of the Russian army. Fama, the goddess of Glory, crowns the Russian Coat of Arms with a laurel wreath. The Empress is surrounded by the kneeling peoples and different classes of Russia that want to express their admiration. The composition is rimmed by the War trophies captured from the Turks that symbolize the Russian victory in the Russo-Turkish war.
Russia and Prussia have formed an Alliance in 1764. In commemoration of it the Monarchs repeatedly exchanged with diplomatic gifts. In 1770 Frederick II had received from Russia precious furs. In a move to make an equally valuable return gift he had selected porcelain. On April 8, 1770 Friedrich had placed an order at the Konigliche Porzellan Manufaktur - Berlin (porcelain manufactory) - to make a table set. Besides the dishes the Set included a table decoration - a grandiose sculptural composition, the idea of which belonged to the King himself.
The table set was presented to Catherine II on August 3, 1772, and the next day August 4 she thanked Frederick II in a letter she wrote to him. Later it was used as it was intended and it also served as a model for creation of key works of Russian porcelain of XVIII Century.
The original of this table set is kept in the State Hermitage Museum. The Berlin porcelain manufactory made several replicas of table decoration and its individual figures. One of those remakes of 1908 is kept in The State Historical Museum.
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