Rare figurine "Neptune on a Shell" Meissen.

On a rectangular pedestal standing on a corrugated shell is depicted the god of the sea, Neptune (Greek Poseidon), crowned with a shield and a long beard. Around him is draped a white, wind-blown fabric fastened with a purple ribbon. The polychrome painting with gold outlines was possibly executed by Johann Joachim Kändler and Johann Friedrich Eberlein. Some disputed areas of the surface have been restored, and there is a trace of a sword. Height: 21.5 cm. The thematic connection with the famous "Swan" service, designed by J. J. Kändler and J. F. Eberlein around 1739–1742 for Count Heinrich von Brühl, is evident. It can be assumed that this figure could have served as the finishing element of a large serving table. It is unknown whether it is part of the famous minister's service, but attribution to Eberlein/Kändler is certainly permissible. Additionally, Karl Berling (Festschrift, 1910) mentions a figure of Neptune with a shell, modeled by Eberlein in 1741 for Baron von Stecken. The presented figure is probably a model closely related to Brühl's "Swan" service and suitable for table decoration. See Berling, Festschrift, 1910, p. 42 (without illustration). Rare porcelain figure of Neptune on a shell with sparsely accented painting, executed in modeling. Slightly restored. Mark of crossed swords. Meissen. Circa 1745.