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Antique Meissen F18 – Gardener Boy Squeezing Grapes – Michel Victor Acier
Offered for sale is a beautiful antique German Meissen porcelain figurine, Model F18, “Gärtnerkind mit Trauben” (Gardener Boy with Grapes), originally designed in 1779 by the celebrated sculptor Michel Victor Acier (1736–1799).
This finely modeled figure depicts a young gardener carefully squeezing a cluster of dark blue and purple grapes into a porcelain bowl.
The composition features an elegant lavender jacket, intricately sculpted curly hair, delicate facial details, individually modeled grapes, and a beautifully decorated rococo-style base enhanced with hand-applied gilding.
Historical Significance
This charming composition belongs to Meissen’s celebrated series of gardener children, originally created during the late 18th century.
The underside features a deeply recessed hollow base, an underglaze blue crossed-swords mark, impressed markings, and a small red decorator’s number.
The exact production date has not been independently verified.
Details
* Manufacturer: Meissen Porcelain Manufactory, Germany
* Model: F18
* Original Designer: Michel Victor Acier
* Original Design Date: 1779
* Period: Antique; exact production date undetermined
* Material: Hand-painted porcelain
* Decoration: Lavender jacket, gilded rococo base, finely modeled grape cluster
* Markings: Underglaze blue crossed swords, impressed markings, and red decorator’s number
* Base: Deeply recessed hollow construction
Condition
Beautiful antique presentation with finely preserved sculptural details and age-related wear.
Important condition disclosure: A small hairline fissure is visible on the underside of the base, extending inward from the unglazed foot rim. It is not visible from the exterior when the figurine is displayed normally.
The origin of this fissure has not been determined. It may be a manufacturing-related firing flaw or a later hairline crack.
Minor wear consistent with age may be present. The figurine has not been professionally examined for past restoration.
Please examine all photographs carefully, especially the underside, as they form an important part of the condition description.
Collector’s Appeal
A wonderful example of historic Meissen porcelain craftsmanship, featuring expressive sculptural modeling and intricate hand-painted decoration.
An appealing addition to any collection of antique German porcelain, Meissen gardener figures, or works after Michel Victor Acier.
Careful, protective packaging will be provided for shipping.
Thank you for viewing!
