JVV 0425
Delft, 1750-1770
The polychrome table fountain is modelled in the form of a corpulent, seated man on a pedestal. He sits leisurely leaning back on a green pedestal with net decor with flowers. He is dressed in a blue jacket with flowers, white vest, yellow knee-breeches, white stockings and dark shoes. On his head he wears a tricorn that has an opening at the top for liquor (wine, liqueur or gin) for liquor to be poured into. The stopper is missing. There is a handle on the back, and a pewter tap in a mascaron on the front.
Dimensions: height 31,5 cm / 12.40 in., width 21 cm / 8.26 in., depth 29,5 cm / 11.61 in.
Provenance: G. Lefebvre, antique dealer in Paris, Fernando-Po
Similar examples
In the Lavino collection, now on loan to the Kunstmuseum Den Haag (The Hague Art Museum), are two similar table fountains (inv. nos. 1059404 and 1060248). Another example is in the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam (inv. no. BK-NM-9530).
Explanatory note
Table fountains in the form of seated people on a pedestal were made around the middle of the eighteenth century and are associated with the rococo period (1730-1770) when tureens and other tableware in faience were executed in realistic animal, vegetable and fruit forms. Many human-shaped table fountains are known. Both men and women are depicted in a wide variety of poses, clothing, and elegance. It is noteworthy that some pieces aim for a higher social market segment in terms of persons and pedestals depicted (Lavino collection, pp. 51, 139-141). Table fountains in the shape of cheerful drinkers waving a glass or bottle seated on a wine barrel suggest a more common setting, even perhaps an inn.
Literature
M. Lavino, P. Lavino-Ridderhof, J. van Avermaet, The Lavino Collection, s.l., s.a.[2000]
