Very Large Pair Of 19th Century Meissen Day And Night Figures

A magnificent pair of very large Meissen putti representing Day & Night by Heinrich Schwabe. Each figure wrapped in a cloth, float above the earth's atmosphere.Day in a bright pink cloth, the left arm holding a rose blossom, stretching upwards full of morning energy, carrying a torch in the right hand, symbol of warmth and light. Sunbeams adorn his head, a sunflower, ears of corn and a singing bird on his right are further attributes for the day that brings life to bloom.Night is dressed in a blue cloth that covers the head and is crowned by a star crown. The putto looks thoughtfully down, holding the poppy seed in his right hand, which is supposed to bring deep sleep. He is accompanied by an owl as an attribute of the god of darkness and night.Heinrich Schwabe (1847-1924) studied at the arts and crafts school in Nuremberg (Germany) and was a professor in Nuremberg from 1875 to 1907. The artist was known for his famous cupid series (L models), which he designed for the Meissen manufactory, and also created models for busts,children and genre figures.