- Origin:
- Delft, factory 'De Metalen Pot'
- Date:
- ca. 1700
- Dimensions:
- Height: 17,7 cm
- Master:
- Lambertus van Eenhoorn
- Marked:
- -
Price on request
Statuette of a man standing on a tripod raising his glass with an elegant gesture. Although this statuette is unmarked, for good reason it can be attributed to the pottery “de Metaale Pot” led by Lambertus van Eenhoorn. In the collection of Van Evenepoel in the Art & History Museum in Brussels, there are two, which in terms of shape are identical copies in “black Delft”, both bearing the LVE monogram.
The subject, an avid drinker, would certainly have appealed to Van Eenhoorn. He was known as a man of fickle character, who happily spent his money on drink and other extravagances. Nevertheless, his brother-in-law Adriaen Kocks vouched for him in 1691, when Van Eenhoorn took over the flourishing pottery De Metaale Pot. Despite his problematic character, Lambertus van Eenhoorn managed to handle his affairs well.
In 1691 and in 1693, for example, he signed a ten-year contract with Guilleaume Neuilleth, “sculptor and (red) teapot maker” stating that Neuilleth was only allowed to work for him; in addition, in the event of the unfortunate premature death of Neuilleth, all models he had already produced were to become the property of De Metaale Pot. As the name suggests, Neuilleth was of French descent. He probably learned the trade at the Rouen earthenware factory. By retaining him, Van Eenhoorn wanted to assure himself of having a good craftsman. It is indeed the case that the moldings from the “Metaale Pot” period can be counted among the most beautiful ones. Among them are various smaller statues that are placed on a pedestal in a tripod shape. Thus this employment arrangement certainly paid off in terms of excellent workmanship.
Literature: ‘Het wondere zwart van Delft’