Pair of sauceboats 1737 - 1747

These porcelain sauceboats were crafted into the form of swans at the Meissen Manufactory. The swan, long a symbol of purity and grace, also carries echoes of classical myth, like Leda and the Swan, where it embodies themes of transformation. The motif of the swan appears throughout history, from ancient Roman mosaics to Renaissance paintings, each time subtly shifting in meaning, yet retaining its core association with beauty and elegance. Think of the swan in Wagner’s Lohengrin, where it symbolizes a mystical, otherworldly presence. The swan's graceful posture, its neck arched in a gentle curve, resonates on a subconscious level, evoking feelings of serenity. These sauceboats, therefore, serve as more than mere tableware; they connect us to centuries of cultural symbolism, inviting reflection on the enduring power of images and their ability to evoke emotion across time. The swan motif re-emerges, transformed yet familiar, in an endless cycle of cultural reinterpretation.