Fine Porcelain and Pottery - 25th February 2014
Lot 281
A Meissen figure group of Hercules and the bull Achelous c.1755
Estimate £600 - £1,000 | Hammer £600
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Description
A Meissen figure group of Hercules and the bull Achelous c.1755, modelled by J J Kändler, the strongman wrestling the bull to the ground with one knee on its shoulder, draped in his trademark lionskin, the rococo base applied with leaves, blue crossed swords mark, impressed 115, 14cm high.
Achelous, the river god, is said to have taken the form of a destructive bull at the time of flooding. During the battle with Hercules one horn was snapped off, which the goddess Plenty filled with fruits and it became the Cornucopia.