Table fountain

K. K. Holitscher Majolica Fabrique, Slovakia, ca. 1750

Tin-glazed earthenware (faïence), painted, restored.

H: 53 cm

Markings: HF in manganese

UMP 14309

Donated in 1900.

This three-tiered fountain topped with the figure of Eros straddling a dolphin is an object of artistic importance. The fountain was used to decorate banquet tables and is an exceptional item produced by the Holitsch factory.

The faïence manufactory in Holitsch was the first of its kind in Austria. Francis I, the husband of Maria Theresa and an insightful economist with good business sense, founded the royal imperial ceramics factory in Holitsch in 1743. Because ceramic production was highly successful in his native Lorraine, Francis decided to establish a factory that could satisfy the needs of the imperial court and manor houses throughout

the Empire. (lmp)