Gold, Jasper, and Carnelian:
Johann Christian Neuber at the Saxon Court
May 30 through August 19, 2012
Early Examples of Steinkabinettabatiere | Next >>
Johann Christian Neuber's workshop was listed in a 1782
travel book among Dresden's sites worth visiting while in
the city. The author noted, "His pieces worked in mosaic
are especially admired by all connoisseurs," referring to
Neuber's famous Steinkabinettabatiere (stone cabinet
snuffbox). Made of gold and small Saxon gemstones, each
sample is engraved with a number on the gold rim and
described in an accompanying booklet, simultaneously
representing the beauty of nature and the scientific spirit of
the Enlightenment. Two original booklets are presented at
the entrance to the exhibition, in the Garden Court.
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Snuffbox made of 108 samples of Saxon gemstones; a plaquette sets with 17 gemstones
Accompanied by its manuscript booklet
Dresden, c. 1765−70
Gold, agate, moss agate, carnelian, and petrified wood
Private collection
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Bonbonnière (candy box) made of 101 samples of Saxon gemstones
Dresden, c. 1780–85
Gold, agate, carnelian, jasper, amethyst, petrified wood, and faux-pearls
Private collection
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Snuffbox made of 93 samples of Saxon gemstones
On the bottom, a Meissen porcelain plaque representing a view of the Royal Porcelain Manufactory of Meissen
Dresden, c. 1775–80
Gold, mostly agate and jasper, and hard-paste porcelain
Private collection |
The exhibition is co-organized by the Grünes Gewölbe of the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, Galerie J. Kugel, Paris, and The Frick Collection. Support for the presentation in New York is generously provided by Walter and Vera Eberstadt, Aso O. Tavitian, Margot and Jerry Bogert, and an anonymous donor. |
