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Dresden Porcelain Antique Candelabra, Australia Allegorical Figure, C. 1843–1883 (Attr. Helena Wolfsohn)
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Id #SA1132684
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Dresden Porcelain Antique Candelabra, Australia Allegorical Figure, C. 1843–1883 (Attr. Helena Wolfsohn)

19th century
Description

Dresden Porcelain Candelabrum– Allegorical Figure of Australia, c. 1843–1883, attrib. to Helena Wolfsohn

An exquisite 19th-century Dresden porcelain two-branch candelabrum, depicting the allegorical figure of Australia. This finely modelled piece presents a central female figure holding a torch and a sheaf of wheat—symbols of enlightenment, progress, and agricultural prosperity. A basket of fruit at her feet highlights the continent’s fertility, while a stylised dragon adds an exotic flourish, reflecting 19th-century Europe’s fascination with distant lands.

Though the underglaze mark may resemble the early Meissen "Augustus Rex", the styling and pseudo-“AR” mark are characteristic of Dresden porcelain, most likely from the workshop of Helena Wolfsohn (1843–1883) or a closely related Dresden manufactory. Helena Wolfsohn’s porcelain is celebrated for its elegant design, meticulous hand-painted detail, and exceptional craftsmanship. While her workshop is best known for decorative vases and figurines, figural works with specific allegorical themes such as this are far more rare and sought after. The piece demonstrates a high level of artistry in both sculptural form and painted surface.

Measurements

Height: 22.8 cm

Width: 19.3 cm

Depth: 7.2 cm

Weight: 542 g

Condition

Very good antique condition overall. The tip of the torch is broken off, and the end of the wheat sheaf has been overpainted. Several old restorations are present at the top rim where the candles are placed. Otherwise, the figure is stable and intact, with vibrant colours and no significant structural damage. Please review all photographs as they form part of the description.

Shipping & Packaging

Shipped fully tracked and insured.

Shipping cost includes labour, packaging, and postage.

Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or require further information.

Physical Dimensions
Height
22.8cm (8.98")
Width
19.3cm (7.60")
Depth
7.2cm (2.83")
Declaration

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Dresden Porcelain Allegorical Candelabra to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1132684
Description
Dresden Porcelain Candelabrum– Allegorical Figure of Australia, c. 1843–1883, attrib. to Helena Wolfsohn
An exquisite 19th-century Dresden porcelain two-branch candelabrum, depicting the allegorical figure of Australia.
Gillers Antiques Ltd

This finely modelled piece presents a central female figure holding a torch and a sheaf of wheat—symbols of enlightenment, progress, and agricultural prosperity. A basket of fruit at her feet highlights the continent’s fertility, while a stylised dragon adds an exotic flourish, reflecting 19th-century Europe’s fascination with distant lands.

fig 1. A nineteenth-century Dresden porcelain three-light candelabra featuring a central allegorical figure draped in floral fabric standing on a gilded Rococo base surrounded by encrusted porcelain flowers.
fig 1. Dresden Porcelain Antique Candelabra, Australia Allegorical Figure, C. 1843–1883 (Attr. Helena Wolfsohn)

Though the underglaze mark may resemble the early Meissen "Augustus Rex", the styling and pseudo-“AR” mark are characteristic of Dresden porcelain, most likely from the workshop of Helena Wolfsohn (1843–1883) or a closely related Dresden manufactory. Helena Wolfsohn’s porcelain is celebrated for its elegant design, meticulous hand-painted detail, and exceptional craftsmanship. While her workshop is best known for decorative vases and figurines, figural works with specific allegorical themes such as this are far more rare and sought after. The piece demonstrates a high level of artistry in both sculptural form and painted surface.

fig 2. A nineteenth-century Dresden porcelain three-light candelabra featuring a central allegorical figure draped in floral fabric standing on a gilded Rococo base surrounded by encrusted porcelain flowers.
fig 2. Dresden Porcelain Antique Candelabra, Australia Allegorical Figure, C. 1843–1883 (Attr. Helena Wolfsohn)

Measurements

Height: 22.8 cm

Width: 19.3 cm

Depth: 7.2 cm

Weight: 542 g

Condition

Very good antique condition overall. The tip of the torch is broken off, and the end of the wheat sheaf has been overpainted. Several old restorations are present at the top rim where the candles are placed. Otherwise, the figure is stable and intact, with vibrant colours and no significant structural damage. Please review all photographs as they form part of the description.

Shipping & Packaging

Shipped fully tracked and insured.

Shipping cost includes labour, packaging, and postage.

Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or require further information.

Height
22.8cm (8.98")
Width
19.3cm (7.60")
Depth
7.2cm (2.83")
Date of Manufacture

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Dresden Porcelain Allegorical Candelabra to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1132684
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2023
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Gillers Antiques Ltd Profile Page

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A nineteenth-century Dresden porcelain three-light candelabra featuring a central allegorical figure draped in floral fabric standing on a gilded Rococo base surrounded by encrusted porcelain flowers.
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Archive I A nineteenth-century Dresden porcelain three-light candelabra featuring a central allegorical figure draped in floral fabric standing on a gilded Rococo base surrounded by encrusted porcelain flowers.

Dresden porcelain antique candelabra, Australia allegorical figure, c. 1843–1883 (attr. Helena Wolfsohn)

Archive II A nineteenth-century Dresden porcelain three-light candelabra featuring a central allegorical figure draped in floral fabric standing on a gilded Rococo base surrounded by encrusted porcelain flowers. View II
Archive III A nineteenth-century Dresden porcelain three-light candelabra featuring a central allegorical figure draped in floral fabric standing on a gilded Rococo base surrounded by encrusted porcelain flowers. View III
Archive IV A nineteenth-century Dresden porcelain three-light candelabra featuring a central allegorical figure draped in floral fabric standing on a gilded Rococo base surrounded by encrusted porcelain flowers. View IV
Archive V A nineteenth-century Dresden porcelain three-light candelabra featuring a central allegorical figure draped in floral fabric standing on a gilded Rococo base surrounded by encrusted porcelain flowers. View V
Archive VI A nineteenth-century Dresden porcelain three-light candelabra featuring a central allegorical figure draped in floral fabric standing on a gilded Rococo base surrounded by encrusted porcelain flowers. View VI
Archive VII A nineteenth-century Dresden porcelain three-light candelabra featuring a central allegorical figure draped in floral fabric standing on a gilded Rococo base surrounded by encrusted porcelain flowers. View VII
Archive VIII A nineteenth-century Dresden porcelain three-light candelabra featuring a central allegorical figure draped in floral fabric standing on a gilded Rococo base surrounded by encrusted porcelain flowers. View VIII
Archive IX A nineteenth-century Dresden porcelain three-light candelabra featuring a central allegorical figure draped in floral fabric standing on a gilded Rococo base surrounded by encrusted porcelain flowers. View IX
Archive X A nineteenth-century Dresden porcelain three-light candelabra featuring a central allegorical figure draped in floral fabric standing on a gilded Rococo base surrounded by encrusted porcelain flowers. View X
Archive XI A nineteenth-century Dresden porcelain three-light candelabra featuring a central allegorical figure draped in floral fabric standing on a gilded Rococo base surrounded by encrusted porcelain flowers. View XI
Archive XII A nineteenth-century Dresden porcelain three-light candelabra featuring a central allegorical figure draped in floral fabric standing on a gilded Rococo base surrounded by encrusted porcelain flowers. View XII
Archive XIII A nineteenth-century Dresden porcelain three-light candelabra featuring a central allegorical figure draped in floral fabric standing on a gilded Rococo base surrounded by encrusted porcelain flowers. View XIII
Archive XIV A nineteenth-century Dresden porcelain three-light candelabra featuring a central allegorical figure draped in floral fabric standing on a gilded Rococo base surrounded by encrusted porcelain flowers. View XIV
Archive XV A nineteenth-century Dresden porcelain three-light candelabra featuring a central allegorical figure draped in floral fabric standing on a gilded Rococo base surrounded by encrusted porcelain flowers. View XV
Archive XVI A nineteenth-century Dresden porcelain three-light candelabra featuring a central allegorical figure draped in floral fabric standing on a gilded Rococo base surrounded by encrusted porcelain flowers. View XVI
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A nineteenth-century Dresden porcelain three-light candelabra featuring a central allegorical figure draped in floral fabric standing on a gilded Rococo base surrounded by encrusted porcelain flowers.
Dresden porcelain antique candelabra, Australia allegorical figure, c. 1843–1883 (attr. Helena Wolfsohn)
Ref: SA1132684
A nineteenth-century Dresden porcelain three-light candelabra featuring a central allegorical figure draped in floral fabric standing on a gilded Rococo base surrounded by encrusted porcelain flowers.
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Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Rococo Revival Dresden porcelain is defined by elaborate asymmetrical scrollwork, heavily encrusted floral motifs, bright overglaze enamel painting, and extensive hand gilding. Produced predominantly during the nineteenth century in Saxony, these pieces drew stylistic inspiration from eighteenth-century Meissen designs.

These pieces were crafted from hard-paste porcelain formed in multiple mould sections, assembled by hand before firing. Intricate details such as leaves, flowers, and figures were individually sculpted and attached prior to glazing, followed by repeated firings for enamelling and gilding.

Authentic items feature fine detail in hand-sculpted elements, delicate brushwork in the enamel decoration, and characteristic underglaze or overglaze studio marks. The weight, density of hard-paste porcelain, and soft sheen of hand-applied leaf gilding also distinguish authentic period production.

A figural candelabra serves as a striking centrepiece on a mantelpiece, sideboard top, or formal dining table. Positioning the object against a clean, neutral background or pairing it with modern minimalist textures creates a refined historical accent.

Dust regularly using a soft makeup brush or artist brush to reach tight crevices around encrusted flowers without snagging. Avoid immersing detailed figural ceramic pieces in water or using abrasive chemical cleaners, which can erode gilded highlights and overglaze paint.
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