FPS LIVING ROOM LECTURES
The French Porcelain Society continues its series of weekly online lectures with Claudia Lehner-Jobst, who will discuss the development of neoclassical taste at the Vienna’s Imperial porcelain manufactory. We hope you can join us!
Living Room Lecture: «HIS PURIFIED ARTISTIC SENSIBILITY». ANTON GRASSI, SCULPTOR AND HUMBLE MASTERMIND OF THE VIENNA PORCELAIN FACTORY – Claudia Lehner-Jobst
Time: Saturday, 8 August 2020, 18:00PM London, UK (BST) PLEASE NOTE NEW TIME
Members will receive an email invitation with instructions on how to join the online lecture. If you want to join, please contact us for more details on FPSenquiries@gmail.com.
«HIS PURIFIED ARTISTIC SENSIBILITY». ANTON GRASSI, SCULPTOR AND HUMBLE MASTERMIND OF THE VIENNA PORCELAIN FACTORY
Claudia Lehner-Jobst
As master modeller, the academically-trained sculptor Anton Grassi (1755–1807) was responsible for perfecting the neoclassical style at the Imperial porcelain manufactory in Vienna. From 1784, the enlightened director, Conrad von Sorgenthal (1733–1805), created a fertile ground for the artistic genius of his employees. Joined in their masonic ideals, both men served the manufactory to reach its most successful era.
Grassi´s journey to Florence, Rome and Naples from 1792 to 1794 was highly influential for the formation of the new ‘purified taste’. During his travels he created copies of famous antique statues such as the Niobe group in Florence and filled several sketch books for the model collection of the manufactory. The sculptor also visited the courts in Florence and Naples, presenting gifts of Vienna porcelain in the latest fashion on behalf of the imperial family.
After his return to Vienna, his centre pieces, vases, portrait busts and reliefs were praised for their comprehension and transformation of the spirit of antiquity. A close friend of the composer Joseph Haydn, Anton Grassi played the violin as masterly as he shaped his virtuoso sculptures.
Image: Anton Grassi (1733–1807), Bacchanalian group (one of a pair), Vienna, c.1785, Marton Collection