Dutch Delftware, man on wine barrel

The man, who is seated on a barrel and drinks from a glass, is derived from the well-known Bacchus figures of which numerous specimens of sometimes huge dimensions are known from various German faience (pottery) centers. The most impressive ones were created in the Hannover Münden factory. It must also have been a popular subject in Delft. Different variants are known, with nice inscriptions such as Roowijn (red wine), Witte Wijn (white wine), Rinse Wine (wine from the Rhineland, and therefore also white wine) and Goede Wijn (high-quality wine). The inscription “Nantes” is intended for liqueur. The function of this ornate object is therefore entirely clear. The head can be removed, thus allowing the fountain to be filled, and the tap at the bottom is for filling the glass.

In addition to copies of Delftware, wine and fountains of the same model are also known in Chinese and Japanese export porcelain. In the collection of Anton C.R. Dreesmann, which came under the hammer in 2002, there were no fewer than two of Delft, one Chinese export porcelain, and a more rare Japanese version.

A signed terra cotta wine fountain dated in 1744 is known to have been made by the sculptor Joseph Willems (b. 1716, Ghent; d. 1766, Tournai). This model, which is different from the one described here, also exists in Delftware. This terra cotta specimen was probably an example that was the model in one of the many production sites in Delft. Willems was a wandering artist who popped up in various places in Europe where porcelain and earthenware were made. His activities at the porcelain factory in Chelsea are best known.