Mars and History thumbnail 1
Mars and History thumbnail 2

Mars and History

Figure Group
1766-1767 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Figure group in hard-paste porcelain of 'Mars and History'. On a circular hollow base, incised to represent grass, is a square block with a bearded figure of Mars dressed as a warrior seated on it. A shield with a Medusa-head is on his lowered left arm, and a sword is in his left hand. He gazes upwards to History, who stands on the square block beside him. History is represented as a female blindfolded and with drapery descending from the back of her head, gathered under her right arm, and looped in a loose girdle round her waist. Mars' right arm clasps her thighs. She holds an open book and a long quill pen. Sandals are on her feet. A lion skin is draped over the square block. To one side at its base is a lyre, palette and open book, and to the other is a plumed helmet.

Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleMars and History
Materials and techniques
Hard-paste porcelain
Brief description
Figure group in hard-paste porcelain of 'Mars and History', modelled by F.E. Meyer, Königliche Porzellan Manufaktur Berlin, Berlin, 1766-1767.
Physical description
Figure group in hard-paste porcelain of 'Mars and History'. On a circular hollow base, incised to represent grass, is a square block with a bearded figure of Mars dressed as a warrior seated on it. A shield with a Medusa-head is on his lowered left arm, and a sword is in his left hand. He gazes upwards to History, who stands on the square block beside him. History is represented as a female blindfolded and with drapery descending from the back of her head, gathered under her right arm, and looped in a loose girdle round her waist. Mars' right arm clasps her thighs. She holds an open book and a long quill pen. Sandals are on her feet. A lion skin is draped over the square block. To one side at its base is a lyre, palette and open book, and to the other is a plumed helmet.
Dimensions
  • Height: 46.9cm
Marks and inscriptions
  • A sceptre (In underglaze blue)
  • 'C. M.' (Incised)
Credit line
Bequeathed by Mr. E. M. Robertson
Object history
Modelled by Friedrich Elias Meyer, about 1766. see Kollman, 1987.
Subjects depicted
Bibliographic reference
V&A Ceramics and Glass Collection Object Information File
Collection
Accession number
C.78-1957

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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