Lot 1662 Dα

Eleven so-called Watteau painters are listed in the manufactory's 1744 list of personnel, among them Gottlob Siegmund Birckner and Johann Jacob Wagner, who were perhaps the most talented in this field. The large number of painters specialising in decor based on engravings after the works of Watteau testifies to the popularity of the gallant courtly scenes of the French Rococo painter. In 1745, the first service with green Watteau motifs was delivered to Naples for the husband of the Princess Elector Maria Amalia of Saxony, and in 1749, the manufactory began with the "Green Watteau Service" for the Saxon court, which was repeatedly supplemented in the following decades. The surfaces of the gilt edged vessels are decorated alternately with Gotzkowski relief floral mouldings, "German style" flowers and groups of figures under trees in copper-green camaieau. King Johann of Saxony (1801 - 1873) was so enthusiastic about this décor that as late as 1860 he had a dining room in his summer residence, Pillnitz Palace, decorated with paintings in the style of Watteau and porcelain from the "Green Watteau Service". (Dr Ulrich Pietsch, 2006, on the SKD website, inv. no. PE 1086 a - d)