100% original and authentic figurine. Stamped and numbered . This is a Herend porcelain figurine of a German Shepard), a fine example of the manufactory’s tradition of crafting lifelike animal sculptures. Herend’s animal figurines Herend, founded in 1826, is one of the world’s most renowned porcelain manufactories, producing hand-crafted and hand-painted porcelain pieces. While the brand is best known for its delicate tableware and intricate fishnet-painted animal figurines, it has also created stunning monochrome animal sculptures, like this Irish Setter. Sculptural Features • Material: High-quality Herend porcelain, with a glossy white glaze that enhances the depth and realism of the sculpted fur. • Detailing: The figurine showcases Herend’s masterful sculpting techniques, especially in the flowing fur, strong musculature, and lifelike stance. • Base Design: The sculpted base provides a natural setting, giving the piece balance and stability while maintaining the elegance of the dog’s movement. connection to György Vastagh György Vastagh (1868–1946), a Hungarian sculptor and painter known for his animal sculptures, collaborated with Herend on various porcelain figures. His expertise in capturing realistic animal anatomy strongly influenced Herend’s larger animal figurines. Given the anatomical precision and natural pose of this Irish Setter, it was designed by Vastagh himself. György Vastagh and his artistic contributions to Herend Porcelain György Vastagh (1868–1946) was a distinguished Hungarian painter and sculptor, renowned for his contributions to animal painting and porcelain art. As a member of the famous Vastagh artistic family, he inherited a strong artistic tradition, which he applied to various forms of visual art. One of his notable associations was with the Herend Porcelain Manufactory, where his expertise in depicting animals found a lasting legacy in fine porcelain sculpture and decoration. Background and artistic Influences Born in Budapest into a family of artists, György Vastagh was the son of György Vastagh Sr. (1834–1922), a well-regarded portrait painter. His artistic upbringing immersed him in the world of classical painting, and he quickly developed a fascination with wildlife and nature, which became his primary subject matter. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich, which was a major center of academic realism at the time. Vastagh became widely known for his animal paintings, particularly his realistic and dynamic portrayals of horses, lions, and cattle. His works often reflected a deep understanding of anatomy and movement, which made them highly sought after both in Hungary and internationally. Collaboration with Herend Porcelain Herend Porcelain, established in 1826, is one of the world’s most prestigious porcelain manufactories, famous for its hand-painted figurines and elaborate tableware. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Herend began incorporating sculptural elements and naturalistic depictions of animals into its repertoire. György Vastagh’s expertise in animal anatomy made him a perfect collaborator for this endeavor. During his time working with Herend, Vastagh contributed detailed animal figurines, which combined his painterly knowledge with the refined craftsmanship of porcelain art. His sculptures were characterized by: • Realistic proportions and movement, capturing the natural posture of animals. • Lifelike textures, such as the intricate detailing of fur, muscle structure, and facial expressions. • A fusion of artistic realism and decorative elegance, aligning with Herend’s tradition of producing fine, collectible porcelain. Many of the Herend porcelain animal figurines attributed to Vastagh remain valuable collector’s pieces today, admired for their precision and artistry. Legacy and Impact Vastagh’s work extended beyond porcelain into large-scale paintings and sculptures. His contributions to public monuments in Hungary, particularly those featuring lions and cattle, remain significant landmarks. His ability to blend academic realism with decorative art influenced later generations of Hungarian artists working in both fine and applied arts. At Herend, his work contributed to a period where the manufactory expanded its artistic and commercial reach, gaining further international recognition. His influence can still be seen in Herend’s ongoing production of realistic animal figures, which remain one of the company’s signature styles. Conclusion György Vastagh was a master of animal depiction, and his work with Herend Porcelain Manufactory ensured that his artistic legacy extended beyond canvas and sculpture into the world of fine porcelain. His contributions helped solidify Herend’s reputation as a leading producer of luxury hand-painted ceramics, blending Hungarian artistic tradition with meticulous craftsmanship. Today, his works—both in porcelain and painting—continue to be celebrated as part of Hungary’s rich artistic heritage.