“The Frick Collection presents Henry Arnhold’s Meissen Palace, an exhibition of works from the famed European porcelain manufactory along with several Asian examples that inspired such wares. The pieces are drawn from the collection of the late Henry H. Arnhold (1921–2018), whose foundation made a promised gift of more than 100 objects to the institution nearly a decade ago and supported the creation of the Portico Gallery, where the exhibition is shown. Organized by Charlotte Vignon, the Frick’s Curator of Decorative Arts, the show offers a fresh take on this esteemed collection, transforming the gallery into an eighteenth-century ‘porcelain room,’ and grouping the works on view by color. This type of installation emulates a historic approach and allows visitors to experience these fragile, luxurious objects in much the same way one would have in eighteenth-century Europe.
Vignon adds, ‘In looking a new at these wondrous pieces given to the Frick by the late Henry Arnhold, I have considered his attraction to them alongside the fascination they held for the most famous patron of such objects, Augustus II (1670–1733), king of Poland and elector of Saxony. Reflecting on the ways both men lived with their collections, I wanted to explore the idea that Arnhold was creating his own palace of porcelain. Indeed, he acquired many objects commissioned by Augustus, which we are including in the exhibition. We hope visitors to the show enjoy looking at these whimsical works through the eyes of both enthusiasts’.” — The Frick Collection
Bowl and Saucer. Hard-paste porcelain, ca. 1720. Decorated outside the factory, ca. 1745. Saucer, D: 5 1/8 inches. Tea Bowl, H: 1 ¾ inches. The Frick Collection, Gift of Henry H. Arnhold, 2019. Photo: Michael Bodycomb
Vase with Cover. Hard-paste porcelain, ca. 1725. Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. H: 9 ¼ inches. The Frick Collection, Gift of Henry H. Arnhold, 2019. Photo: Michael Bodycomb
Teapot. Hard-paste porcelain, ca. 1729–31. Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. H: 4 7/8 inches. The Frick Collection, Gift of Henry H. Arnhold, 2019. Photo: Michael Bodycomb
Teapot. Hard-paste porcelain, ca. 1725-30. Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. Decoration: Attributed to the workshop of Bartholomäus Seuter, (ca. 1678–1754). H.: 6 inches. The Frick Collection, Gift of Henry H. Arnhold, 2019. Photo: Michael Bodycomb
Incense Burner in the form of a Seated Buddhist Divinity. Hard-paste porcelain, ca. 1715-20. Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. H. 3 7/8 inches. The Frick Collection, Gift of Henry H. Arnhold, 2019. Photo: Michael Bodycomb
Mounted Tankard. Hard-paste porcelain with gilt-metal mounts, ca. 1723-24. Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. Decoration attributed to Johann Gregorius Höroldt, (1696–1775). H. (with lid): 7 1/4 inches. The Frick Collection, Gift of Henry H. Arnhold, 2019. Photo: Michael Bodycomb
Mounted Meissen Group. Hard-paste porcelain with gilt-bronze mounts (Probably French), ca. 1728–30. Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. Model attributed to George Christian Fritsche, (act. 1681–1709). H.: 6 inches. The Frick Collection, Gift of Henry H. Arnhold, 2019. Photo: Michael Bodycomb
One of a pair of “Birdcage” vases. Hard-paste porcelain, after 1730. Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. 20 1/4 × 14 × 14 inches. The Frick Collection, Gift of Henry H. Arnhold, 2015. Photo: Michael Bodycomb
Mustard Pot and Cruet. Hard-paste porcelain, ca. 1737−39. Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. Modeled by Johann Joachim Kändler (1706 -1775). Cruet height: 7 inches. Mustard pot height: 7 ½ inches. The Frick Collection, Gift of Henry H. Arnhold, 2019. Photo: Michael Bodycomb
Figure of Hofnarr Fröhlich. Hard-paste porcelain, 1738. Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. Modeled by Johann Joachim Kändler, (German, 1706–1775). H.: 9 3/4 inches. The Frick Collection, Gift of Henry H. Arnhold, 2019. Photo: Michael Bodycomb
Brush Handle from the Toilette Service Sent to the Queen of Naples. Hard-paste porcelain, 1745–47. Decorated by Gottlob Siegmund Birckner (1712–1771). 1 ¾ x 4 1/8 x 5 ¼ inches. The Frick Collection, Gift of Henry H. Arnhold, 2019. Photo: Michael Bodycomb
Brush Handle from the Toilette Service Sent to the Queen of Naples. Hard-paste porcelain, 1745–47. Decorated by Gottlob Siegmund Birckner (1712–1771). 1 ¾ x 4 1/8 x 5 ¼ inches. The Frick Collection, Gift of Henry H. Arnhold, 2019. Photo: Michael Bodycomb
Images courtesy The Frick Collection.
*PLEASE NOTE: The Frick Collection is temporarily closed to the public.
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