Artwork Page for Spring

Details / Information for Spring

Spring

mid-1700s

Doccia Porcelain Factory

(Italian)

after a design by Massimiliano Soldani

(Italian, 1656–1740)
Culture
Italy, near Florence, mid-18th century
Medium
porcelain
Measurements
Overall: 40.6 x 55.9 cm (16 x 22 in.)
Credit Line
The Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund 1999.213
Public Domain
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Location
301 Baroque Sculpture Mezzanine
Print
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Did You Know?

This relief representing spring includes many creatures: lions, a dog, and an eagle can all be spotted.

Description

Although most 18th-century European porcelain factories produced three-dimensional works, these were often small figures intended to ornament dinner tables or mantelpieces. The factory at Doccia outside Florence was more ambitious, turning to baroque sculptors of the great local tradition to supply models for works in porcelain. In 1743 the factory purchased from the heirs of the famous Florentine sculptor Massimiliano Soldani (1656-1740) a number of that artist's models. Included were models for a series of reliefs representing the four seasons that were created by Soldani in 1708 for Ferdinando de' Medici. One of the reliefs was Spring, or The Realm of Flora, which was then executed in porcelain.
A horizontally oriented porcelain relief in monochromatic white depicts mythological figures. To the left, people gather around a man draped in vines. Below them, winged children interact near reclining large cats. Upper right, a couple embraces among billowing clouds and winged figures. Right, two seated women hold a floral garland near a bearded man with a staff. The smooth surface features raised, detailed figures with fluid movements and flowing drapery.

Spring

mid-1700s

Doccia Porcelain Factory, Massimiliano Soldani

(Italian), (Italian, 1656–1740)
Italy, near Florence, mid-18th century

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