Frankenthal porcelain was produced in Germany for only 44 years. The factory could not last as long as the manufactories in Meissen or Nymphenburg. And yet it is one of the largest German porcelain manufacturers. In less than half a century, he managed to become famous for his dishes and figurines with fine paintings in the rocaille and classical style. Now eighteenth-century Frankenthal porcelain has become a rarity and a valuable collector’s item. Many samples are kept in museums in Germany and other countries, including the collection of the Hermitage.
History of the Frankenthal manufactory
Frankenthal porcelain began to be produced in 1755. Previously founded by Paul-Antoine Hannong, the factory worked for several years in the French city of Strasbourg. The move was prompted by the decision of Louis XV to close all porcelain production in favor of the manufactory in Sèvres. In the new location, the Frankenthal plant quickly became successful. He produced magnificent hard porcelain with elements of the French style in the decoration. The color of the porcelain mass was distinguished by a delicate cream shade.
From 1761, Frankenthal porcelain was produced under state control, since the Elector of the Palatinate, Karl Theodor, bought the factory from the sons of Hannong.
In the period from 1762 to 1770, products of the highest quality were created, which glorified the manufactory. Later, the quality of the porcelain declined somewhat due to the switch to kaolin from Passau. After the invasion of Frankenthal by French troops in 1799, production closed. Part of the molds was transported to the factory in Nymphenburg, where the products were reproduced until the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century.
The best artists of the Frankenthal manufactory
- Johann Wilhelm Lanz He worked at the factory until 1761 and became famous for his masterfully executed allegorical figurines and rococo interior items.
- Johann Friedrich Luck. Frankenthal worked on porcelain in 1758-1764 and especially excelled in genre scenes on contemporary themes.
- Franz Conrad Linck. Came to the factory after its transition under the leadership of the Elector of the Palatinate. He became the author of the famous sculptural groups, and many figures are distinguished by their portrait resemblance.
- Johann Peter Melchior He worked at the production of Frankenthal in the years 1779-1793. He created portrait medallions in the classical style and charming sculptures with children.
Porcelain Frankenthal is a discreetly luxurious services, magnificent figurines, biscuit sculptures, exquisite vases, mantel clocks and other items. Such antiques will be an adornment of any collection.
