Johann Carl Schönheit: Summer Group vs. Leda with Swan
By Porcelain Manufactory MEISSEN | Crafts & Quality since 1710 | Published: 2026-10-30
Category: Comparisons
Compare two Meissen porcelain masterpieces by Johann Carl Schönheit: the allegorical Summer Group and the mythological Leda with Swan. Find your fit.
Quick answer
Choose the Summer Group for a lively, allegorical scene with musical charm; choose Leda with Swan for a dramatic, intimate mythological moment.
Theme and narrative
The Summer Group (Jahreszeitengruppe Sommer) depicts a pair of figures with a lute, celebrating the season through music and color. It is an allegorical work that fits seamlessly into a series of seasonal decorations.
Leda with Swan (Leda mit Schwan) captures a tense, intimate mythological encounter: Leda gently strokes the swan, unaware it is Zeus in disguise. The narrative is singular and dramatic, making it a focal point rather than part of a set.
Size and presence
The Summer Group stands 17 cm tall, making it a compact piece suitable for a mantelpiece, sideboard, or grouping with other seasonal figures. Leda with Swan is taller at 26 cm, giving it more visual weight and presence on a shelf or pedestal.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Allegorical vs. mythological: The Summer Group celebrates a season with a cheerful, musical theme. Leda with Swan tells a specific myth with dramatic tension. Choose the Summer Group for a light, decorative mood; choose Leda for a conversation-starting narrative piece.
- Size and scale: The Summer Group is 17 cm; Leda with Swan is 26 cm. The taller piece commands more attention, while the smaller one fits tighter spaces. Measure your display area before deciding.
- Price and edition: The Summer Group is priced at USD 6,393.60 (catalog comparison USD 9,990.00). Leda with Swan is USD 4,053.00 (catalog comparison USD 5,790.00) and limited to 25 pieces worldwide. Leda offers a lower entry price but higher exclusivity; the Summer Group is a larger investment with no edition limit.
Product facts
- Leda mit Schwan, Lim. 25, H 26 cm: Die auf 25 Stück limitierte Porzellanfigur "Leda mit Schwan" ist ein Meisterwerk der Meissener Porzellankunst und vereint antike Mythologie mit höchster handwerklicher Perfektion. Its limited edition of 25 pieces makes it a rare collector's item with a compelling story.
Leda mit Schwan, Lim. 25, H 26 cm - Jahreszeitengruppe Sommer, Paar mit Laute, Bunt und gold staffiert, H 17 cm: H 17 cm Its compact size allows flexible placement and pairing with other seasonal figures in a decorative set.
Jahreszeitengruppe Sommer, Paar mit Laute, Bunt und gold staffiert, H 17 cm
Which one fits you?
Best for
- Collectors who want a rare, limited-edition mythological piece with a dramatic story
- Those seeking a compact, allegorical seasonal figure to pair with other Baroque porcelain
Not for
- Buyers who need a tall, commanding centerpiece (choose Leda with Swan instead)
- Anyone looking for a non-mythological, purely decorative seasonal piece (choose the Summer Group instead)
