Krater vase with a signed view of Potsdam

Höchster Porzellan-Manufaktur, 1820

MEDIUMHard-paste porcelain
DIMENSIONSconfirmed: 16 3/8 × 11 1/4 × 11 1/4 in. (41.6 × 28.6 × 28.6 cm)
LOCATIONThe Metropolitan Museum of Art
COLLECTIONEuropean Sculpture and Decorative Arts
CULTUREGerman, Berlin
CREDIT LINEGift of Richard Baron Cohen, 2019

Stop to admire this porcelain krater vase, which isn't just a beautiful object but a finely painted landscape of 19th-century Potsdam, complete with a signature. It's a miniature window into a royal city, rendered with remarkable detail on a classical form.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

This elegant krater vase, made around 1820, captures a serene view of Potsdam, a city known for its royal palaces and gardens outside Berlin. The meticulously painted scene depicts a specific architectural landmark, likely a palace or significant building, set within a lush landscape. The artist's skill in rendering fine details is evident in the delicate brushwork that defines the trees, the reflections on the water, and the subtle atmospheric perspective. The vase itself, crafted from hard-paste porcelain, showcases the period's preference for classical forms, often inspired by ancient Greek and Roman pottery. This piece served not just as a decorative object but also as a testament to the artistry of its makers, transforming a functional vessel into a canvas for detailed landscape painting. The signed view adds a personal touch, suggesting a high level of craftsmanship and pride in its creation.

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What to Notice

1

The signature beneath the landscape scene.

2

The delicate brushwork defining individual leaves on the trees.

3

The reflections of the architecture in the water.

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Audio Deep Dive

Stop to admire this porcelain krater vase, which isn't just a beautiful object but a finely painted landscape of 19th-century Potsdam, complete with a signatur…

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THE ARTIST
Höchster Porzellan-Manufaktur

Germany's second-oldest porcelain maker, crafting delicate wares from 1746 with their iconic wheel trademark.

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