Children at a Forest Stream lithophane

Meissen, Germany, 1847–1848

Porcelain, transparent negative relief, bisque.

18 × 24.2 cm

Unmarked

UMP 10224

French diplomat and scientist Baron Paul de Bourgoing (1791–1864) conducted tests on thin transparent Chinese porcelain, experimenting with light in variously thick layers until he actually succeeded in transferring any motif onto a porcelain bisque plate using a complex technique of creating wax and plaster reliefs from pictures – thus producing the matrix for the first lithophanes. He patented this process in 1827. He later joined forces with his business-savvy friend, Baron Alex de Tremblay, and together they launched the production of lithophanes in Rubelles, just outside of Melun. But after initial success and enthusiasm, interest in these translucent shields dwindled – probably due to the very high price. The two businessmen sold the licence at a large profit to the UK and Germany. Porcelain manufactories in the two countries knew how to cut production costs, thus launching the great era of lithophany, which did not end until the early twentieth century. The porcelain factories passed the lithophane shields on to craftsmen, who created various wooden, silver, metal, cast iron and ivory stands and frames. Later the factories themselves produced candlesticks outfitted with lithophane plate holders. Many lithophane plates were hung in windows. New applications were found on teapot warmers and in the bases of elegant classical and empire teacups and tankards. Popular lithophane motifs included vedute, reproductions of famous paintings, portraits of important people, biblical cycles, Jesus, and Raphael’s Madonna; later, during the Biedermeier period, themes expanded to rural genres, idyllic scenes, atmospheric floral still lifes, and children at play. Between 1828 and 1860 there were some 250 different motifs. The Meissen porcelain factory also produced similar types of lithophanes in the 1830s and 1840s, but unfortunately they were not always signed. Between 1836 and 1844, lithophanes represented between five and ten percent of the factory’s production. Lithophanes began to lose favour after the introduction of electric lighting in households. (D. Braunová)