Tureen from the table service of the Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin

• probably for Grand Duke Paul Frederick of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Johann George Hossauer (1794-1874), Berlin, around 1837, silver, wrought, cast, engraved, gilded, height: 31 cm Acquired in 2001 with the support of the states‘ cultural foundation and the Rudolf-August Oetker Foundation

For centuries the Mecklenburg royal family awarded commissions both to local artists and to those working in well-known goldsmiths. The tureen was created in Berlin by the leading goldsmith Johann George Hossauer. It comes from a comprehensive table service that was probably ordered by Grand Duke Paul Frederick. The close connection to Berlin was created through his wedding to the Prussian Princess Alexandrine in 1822.

Hossauer was inspired by English and French models when creating the set in the Second Rococo style. Tureens have always been the most representative objects on the table. The bright, fire-gilded wall contrasts with the matte, powerfully modelled sculptural details. Since 1989, further items from this service have been acquired for the Schwerin State Museum.