MEISSEN: "THE FOUR SEASONS" TABLE CENTERPIECE, 18TH CENTURY

An important Neoclassical Meissen porcelain biscuit centerpiece, the stem composed of four children symbolizing the four seasons: Spring carries a wreath and a bouquet of flowers, Summer a sheaf of wheat, Autumn a rich bunch of grapes and a basket of grapes, and Winter a lit torch. The theme of the Four Seasons, a traditional allegorical subject in the West since the Renaissance, was very popular in the 18th century. The four putti are positioned against a leafy column supporting an openwork fruit basket. The whole rests on a circular base with scalloped edges and four Greek key feet adorned with laurel wreaths. Marked in blue, with a dot and two crossed swords (1763-1773), under the base. 18th century, circa 1770. Dimensions: W: 30cm, D: 30cm, H: 53.5cm. In very good overall condition, with some chips to the flowers. A scythe is missing from the hand of one of the cherubs.