figure MERKUR

In honor of its 260th anniversary, the Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Berlin is bringing two special figures from its extensive archives back to life: With “Venus” and “Mercury,” KPM presents a meticulously detailed re-edition that serves as an artistic testament to the virtuosity of the KPM modeling workshop and master painters, evoking the manufactory’s royal and creative history. The two unglazed figurines, measuring a total of 28 centimeters, are presented on a round, richly decorated porcelain pedestal accented with molded moldings. It evokes the statues’ location in Sanssouci Park while also featuring a design that places historical decorative techniques in a contemporary context. While the gods, rendered in “ biscuit porcelain ,” evoke the texture of marble, the base is so intricately hand-painted that it appears to be genuine black marble. This sophisticated imitation of the material, combined with delicate painting using the highest-quality polished gold, creates a striking contrast to the unglazed surfaces of the figures. Mercury, the messenger of the gods—also known as “Hermes” in Greek mythology—is depicted in his role as the god of commerce. Seated on a cloud, adorned with a herald’s staff entwined with snakes and a winged hat, he is tying his sandals and preparing to set out. His female counterpart, Venus—also known as “Aphrodite” in Greek mythology—as the embodiment of beauty, gazes down from a heavenly vantage point at earthly events with graceful poise. Her left hand points to a pair of doves sitting at her feet, a symbol of her role as the messenger of love.