“A year-long exhibition exploring the complex history of making, collecting, and displaying porcelain. Included are about 100 pieces produced by the renowned Royal Meissen manufactory, which led the ceramic industry in Europe, both scientifically and artistically, during the early to mid-eighteenth century. Most of the works date from 1720 to 1745 and were selected by New York−based sculptor Arlene Shechet from the promised gift of Henry H. Arnhold. Sixteen works in the exhibition are Shechet’s own sculptures—exuberant porcelain she made during a series of residencies at the Meissen manufactory in 2012 and 2013. Designed by Shechet, the exhibition avoids the typical chronological or thematic order of most porcelain installations in favor of a personal and imaginative approach that creates an intriguing dialogue between the historical and the contemporary, from then to now. With nature as the dominant theme, the exhibition is presented in the Frick’s Portico Gallery, which overlooks the museum’s historic Fifth Avenue Garden.” — The Frick Collection
Waste Bowl. Hard-paste porcelain, ca. 1720. Decorated in Dresden or Augsburg, ca. 1725–30. H: 3 3/8 inches. Private collection. Photo: Maggie Nimkin
Saucer and Tea Bowl.Hard-paste porcelain, ca. 1720. Decorated outside the factory, ca. 1745. Saucer, D: 5 1/8 inches. Tea Bowl, H: 1 ¾ inches. Private collection. Photo: Michael Bodycomb
Pair of Four-Sided Bottles with Stoppers. Hard-paste porcelain, ca.1724. H: 9 inches each. Private collection. Photo: Michael Bodycomb
Vase and Cover. Hard-paste porcelain, c. 1725. H: 9 ¼ inches. Private collection. Photo: Michael Bodycomb
Teapot. Hard-paste porcelain, ca.1729–31. H: 4 7/8 inches. Private collection. Photo: Michael Bodycomb
One of a pair of “birdcage” vases. Hard-paste porcelain, after 1730. H: 20 ¼ inches. Private collection. Photo: Michael Bodycomb
Small Two-Handled Bowl with Cover. Hard-paste porcelain, 1735 or 1738. Modeled by Johann Joachim Kändler and/or Johann Friedrich Eberlein. H: 3 ¾ in. Private collection. Photo: Michael Bodycomb
Small Two-Handled Bowl with Cover. Hard-paste porcelain, 1735 or 1738. Modeled by Johann Joachim Kändler and/or Johann Friedrich Eberlein. H: 3 ¾ in. Private collection. Photo: Michael Bodycomb
Large Dish from the “Red Dragon” Service. Hard-paste porcelain, ca.1730–35. D: 13 3/8 inches. Private collection. Photo: Michael Bodycomb
Arlene Shechet, Big Dragon, 2012. Glazed hard-paste porcelain, gold. D: 15 ¼ inches. Unique. Courtesy the artist. Photo: Jason Wyche
Arlene Shechet, Dancing Girl with Two Right Feet (detail), 2012. Glazed hard-paste porcelain, gold. H: 10 5/8 inches. Unique. Private collection. Photo: Jason Wyche
Installation view of Figure of Hofnarr Fröhlich, model by Johann Joachim Kändler, 1738, and Small Lobed Pot with Cover, ca. 1735, Meissen porcelain, private collection, on view in Porcelain, No Simple Matter: Arlene Shechet and the Arnold Collection in the Frick’s Portico Gallery; photo: Michael Bodycomb
Installation view of Shechet’s Asian Vase (one of a pair), 2013, glazed Meissen porcelain, with An Actor from the Commedia dell’Arte, Meissen porcelain, c. 1725, decorated in Dresden or Augsburg, c. 1725-30, Private Collection, on view in Porcelain, No Simple Matter: Arlene Shechet and the Arnold Collection in the Frick’s Portico Gallery; photo: Michael Bodycomb
Installation view of Shechet’s Asian Vase (one of a pair) 2013, glazed Meissen porcelain, with The Greeting Harlequin, Meissen porcelain, model by Johann Joachim Kändler, ca. 1740−45, Private Collection, on view in Porcelain, No Simple Matter: Arlene Shechet and the Arnold Collection in the Frick’s Portico Gallery; photo: Michael Bodycomb
Installation view of Shechet’s, Bug Plate, 2013, Meissen porcelain, and Mounted Meissen Group, model attributed to George Fritsche, ca. 1728−30, gilt-bronze mounts, probably French, Private collection, on view in Porcelain, No Simple Matter: Arlene Shechet and the Arnold Collection in the Frick’s Portico Gallery; photo: Michael Bodycomb
Installation view of Shechet’s Monument with Drapery-Blue, 2012, and Monument with Drapery-Pink, 2012, Meissen porcelain, and Freemason Couple Taking Chocolate, model by Johann Joachim Kändler, ca. 1745, and Europa and the Bull, model by Johann Friedrich Eberlein, before 1749, Meissen porcelain, Private collection on view in Porcelain, No Simple Matter: Arlene Shechet and the Arnold Collection in the Frick’s Portico Gallery; photo: Arlene Shechet
Installation view of Bird, Squirrel, and Stag Beetle on a Tree Trunk, Meissen porcelain, model by Johann Joachim Kändler, 1739, Private collection, on view in Porcelain, No Simple Matter: Arlene Shechet and the Arnold Collection in the Frick’s Portico Gallery; photo: Michael Bodycomb
Nanny-Goat with Kid. After a model by Johann Joachim Kändler from 1732, 20th century. Hard-paste porcelain. H: 19 ½ inches. Private collection. Photo: Michael Bodycomb
Installation view of exhibition in the Frick’s Portico Gallery: Photo by Michael Bodycomb. All images courtesy The Frick Collection.
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