Publication on Berlin porcelain figures, 1751

**Satirical allegories of the liberal arts: sculpture (detail), designed by Wilhelm Christian Meyer, manufactured by KPM Berlin** © Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Kunstgewerbemuseum / Fotostudio Bartsch, Berlin

Publication on Berlin porcelain figures, 1751–1825

19.08.2016
Kunstgewerbemuseum

From 1763, Königliche Porzellanmanufaktur (Royal Porcelain Manufactory, better known simply as KPM) created many high-quality works with a striking sculptural quality. A wide range of sources of inspiration was fundamental to the manufactory's work, some of which is shown in the publication through the example of the collection of the Kunstgewerbemuseum of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin. Dr. Dorothe Heim's comprehensive academic publication appeared in August 2016.

With the foundation of the KPM in 1763, Frederick the Great called into being one of the leading porcelain manufactories, which would go on to produce many works of an excellent quality. Porcelain figures were often conceived in a sculptural and artistically meaningful way. Renowned sculptors and master modellers were behind such work and the publication sheds new light on their creations. What's striking is that the artists took as inspiration not only prints and ceramic art but also masterpieces of European sculpture.

The study is the first of its kind to provide an academic overview of the porcelain figures of the KPM. Heim provides rich illustrations and appreciates the figures for their ability to transcend artistic genres. The book traces the development of the KPM using a multifaceted approach.

"Die Berliner Porzellanplastik und ihre skulpturale Dimension 1751-1825
Der Sammlungsbestand des Kunstgewerbemuseums, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin"
by Dorothee Heim

1st edition 2016, 640 pages, 50 b/w and 750 colour pictures, hardcover, thread-bound, 24 x 30 cm format, published by Schnell und Steiner, ISBN 978-3-7954-3058-0

The publication was made possible through generous support from the CERAMICA-STIFTUNG BASEL and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG).

A presentation of the book
will take place together with the opening of the exhibition "KPM – Sculpture on a Small Scale"
on Wednesday, 14 September 2016 at 18:30 in the Kunstgewerbemuseum of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin