Exclusive Collection Gryflacon

Animal modelling has been one of Meissen¿s great artistic strengths ever since the days of master modeller Johann Joachim Kaendler (1706-1775) and has frequently taken the art to the very limits of what can be produced. Max Esser (1885-1945), one of the most influential plastic artists and animal sculptors of the early 20th century, took his artistic cue from the towering Kaendler whilst nevertheless imbuing his figures with a momentum that was wholly new. In a departure from some of his most familiar figures such as his ¿Seagull¿ swooping down onto a frothing wave, Esser did not portray his hunting falcon in motion. Instead, he devoted himself entirely to the bird¿s incredible energy and physical tension in this instance, qualities it exudes even when in the stationary state, as it prepares to hunt down its prey. Inert, its eyes firmly fixed on some object in the distance, the king of the skies will shortly be taking off to stake its claim.