Cane handle ‘Pec au corbin' (Raven’s Beak)
Franz Anton Bustelli
Nymphenburg Porcelain Factory, ca 1754/1755
Hard-paste porcelain with onglaze colours and gold
10,0 x 10,5 cm
Inv.-Nr. L 98/313
On permanent loan from the Ernst von Siemens-Kunstfonds since 1998
Gallery 100
This cane handle is in the shape of a man's head. A raven’s head with a huge arched red beak protrudes from the back of his neck ruff. No other piece made after this model is known. Although this handle bears no mark, it must be a product of the Bavarian electoral porcelain factory, which moved from Neudeck to Nymphenburg in 1761. The very fine and lively modelling is the signature of Franz Anton Bustelli, a superb artist who worked only at the Neudeck-Nymphenburg factory. His wit certainly informs the design. Since a 'Pec au corbin' cane handle is mentioned as early as August 1775, when a list of the porcelain in stock at the Neudeck Factory was made, this must be one of the earliest models created by Bustelli for he only began working at Neudeck in November 1754.
des Bayerischen Nationalmuseum
des Bayerischen Nationalmuseum
