Cabinet polyphon, ceramic sculpture Napolitanka

Exhibit of the Month 2 / 2022

The polyphon in the style of the brand SAVOYARD consists of a wooden cabinet with a playing machine - polyphon, on the front side it is designed in the form of an organ with prominent pipes. The dominant element of the polyphon is the polychrome ceramic sculpture "Napolitanka," signed in 1900 by Professor J. Rordorf. (The Napolitanka is made of fired ceramic material, with an oil polychrome on the surface.)

The polyphon was manufactured from 1890 at Musikwerke in Leipzig. Other exhibits can be found in the collection of the National Technical Museum in Prague, at the City Museum in Berlin (Stadtmuseum Berlin), and in private collections.

The author is JOHANN (JEAN) RORDORF, former director of the specialized toy school in Hoře Sv. Kateřiny, later in Horní Litvínov (1874-1901). He was born on February 19, 1844, in Vienna in the family of goldsmith master Heinrich Rordorf (1814-1867). He received his professional education in Vienna, where he attended the sculpture studio of Professor Fernkorn, director of the imperial foundry, and his successor Professor Tonniger from the age of 14, completing his studies at the Academy of Fine Arts. After his studies, he remained in Vienna and collaborated with well-known sculptors on large commissions. In his own work, he preferred smaller sculptures and also created models for leading Viennese goldsmith workshops. The work of the young artist attracted the attention of the professional public, and in 1873 he received an award at the World Exhibition in Vienna for the sculpture "Sleeping Beauty." Despite the demanding work, Johann Rordorf did not forget his own creative activity. His range was wide.

From collaborating on monumental sculptures in his native Vienna, through official commissions for the city and private clients, funerary sculpture, artistic crafts, to free creation. In this, he mainly focused on smaller sculptures with genre themes and allegories. In these works, his amazing sense of detail and precise modeling stood out. Johann Rordorf was a member of the executive committee for the administration of the Litvínov Museum, founded in 1898. He was married and had two daughters, Anna and Paula. Paulina's premature death deeply affected him.

Although he is almost forgotten today, he was one of the significant personalities of the Litvínov region in his time, and his work gained recognition not only at home but also in Europe. He died on March 7, 1901, from pneumonia and was buried in the family tomb in Horní Litvínov.

Dimensions of the sculpture: 128 x 48 x 38 cm

Dimensions of the polyphon: 81.5 x 50.5 x 38 cm

Regional Museum and Gallery in Most

(from old museum collections)

Ev. No.: H/Nb 183

Acc. No.: 798/84