porcelain, white, glazed, the Virgin's right foot resting on a squirming dragon, the left foot on a crescent moon above a globe, holding the Christ child in her arms, both looking at the dragon, the Christ child is about to raise the crucifix and destroy the evil spreading across the world, black wood base, total height: 46,5 cm; Meissen, underglaze blue crossed swords ca. 1970, model by Johann Joachim Kändler 1738 (Ru)

Lit.:
Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, Porzellansammlung im Dresdner Zwinger, 1998, p. 223, ill.;

Kändler's work report states that he created the model for Maria Immaculata in July 1738 "in the same size as was to date used for the apostles…". The first version of the Maria Immaculata was originally intended for the widow of the Austrian emperor, Wilhelmine-Amalia (1672-1742), and was supposed to be delivered with the 12 apostles and an altar set. However, as Kändler was kept busy by the Swan Service for Count Brühl, the widow died in the meantime so that Maria Immaculata was instead delivered to Count Brühl. A second polychromed copy went to Prince Elector Clemens August of Cologne, while a third unpainted one remained at the Dresden court.