Image

A sculptural figure on a rearing horse in historical clothing that is yellow, pink, and white with floral decorations. The figure is holding a staff and ball.
A sculptural figure on a rearing horse in historical clothing that is yellow, pink, and white with floral decorations. The figure is holding a staff and ball.
A sculptural figure on a rearing horse in historical clothing that is yellow, pink, and white with floral decorations. The figure is holding a staff and ball.
A sculptural figure on a rearing horse in historical clothing that is yellow, pink, and white with floral decorations. The figure is holding a staff and ball.
A sculptural figure on a rearing horse in historical clothing that is yellow, pink, and white with floral decorations. The figure is holding a staff and ball.
A sculptural figure on a rearing horse in historical clothing that is yellow, pink, and white with floral decorations. The figure is holding a staff and ball.
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Johann Joachim Kändler

Europa on a Horse
Now On View

Description

Maker

Johann Joachim Kändler (German, 1706-1775), modeler
Meissen Porcelain Manufactory (German, 1710-present)

Title

Europa on a Horse

Year

1745-1747

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

porcelain

Dimensions

20.8 cm (8 3/16 inches)

Signature / Inscription / Marks

crossed swords under base

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Bequest of Miss Lucy T. Aldrich

Object Number

55.165

Type

Projects & Publications

Publications

Articles

Arlene Shechet Interviewed by Judith Tannenbaum

Exhibition History

Exhibition History

Trading Earth
Ceramics, Commodities, and Commerce
Apr 09, 2022 – Jul 20, 2025

Label copy

Revered by Europeans as white gold, porcelain made in China was a highly prized commodity. These wares eventually met with competition in the 1700s, as European countries discovered how to create translucent porcelain ceramics. Figural pieces representing anthropomorphized versions of the earth’s continents were popular, as well as telling of the producers’ belief of their standing in the world. Made in Germany, the Black figure personifying Africa serves the commodity of sugar, while Europa rides high on a white horse, wearing a crown and holding a scepter, the globe at her feet.

Arlene Shechet
Meissen Recast
Jan 17, 2014 – Jul 06, 2014

Use & Feedback

Image use

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This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Johann Joachim Kändler (German, 1706-1775), modeler
Meissen Porcelain Manufactory (German, 1710-present)
Europa on a Horse, 1745-1747
Porcelain with enamels, glaze, and gilding
20.8 cm (8 3/16 inches)
Bequest of Miss Lucy T. Aldrich 55.165

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