Figure of Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony
Although diminutive, the porcelain figure of Augustus the Strong (Augustus II, Elector of Saxony and king of Poland) represents both a powerful leader and the results of his determination to discover the formula to produce porcelain, a secret well-guarded by its Asian manufacturers. Augustus pursued his quest by hiring Johann Friedrich Böttger. In 1709, Böttger discovered the necessary ingredients to produce hard-paste porcelain, most importantly white kaolin clay. Under Augustus' patronage, Meissen, the first European porcelain manufactory, was established in 1710. This example of Augustus in armor, was executed in the first decade of European porcelain manufacture. Johann Joachim Kändler, app ...
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1715-1720
Hard-paste porcelain with gilding
4.4 x 11.1in
F84-33
Image and text: The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 2023
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Permanent collection
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A Passion for Porcelain: Augustus the Strong