Better to live a life of superlatives than an average existence? For Augustus the Strong (1670–1733), Elector of Saxony and King of Poland, this was certainly the order of the day. With a life spent in the fast lane, the absolute ruler followed the spirit of the baroque age to coat himself and life itself in glory. Opulent structures such as the Dresden Zwinger, baroque festive architecture of the highest perfection, still bear witness to this today. And he had a use for these: under his rule Dresden experienced around 60 lavish festivities every year. Grand spectacles that often went on for days or even weeks, with one primary purpose: to celebrate! Driven by the baroque attitude between memento mori and carpe diem, war, death and transience and the irrepressible desire to use this short time on earth and enjoy every day of it. At court people danced the minuet with small steps, the amusing gaillarde and the serious courante, stretched out gloved hands and sashayed gracefully, yet politely civilised – subdued by knowledge of the transience of everything and at the same time spurred on by the lust for life and passion. However, the elector and king and the era in which he lived cannot only be characterised by an exuberant joie de vivre, there was also a generous portion of foresight involved. Augustus in all his worldly glory and divine power akin to that of the sun king Louis XIV was of the opinion that every taler invested in the crafts, architecture and art would be gilt three times over, representing a far better investment than war. The consequence was the ® ® 06 07 opening Baroque today carpe diem! Seize the day: This urge has been anchored within us since time immemorial. And results in artistic highs – and pure indulgence. Text: Sigrid Jürgens Photo: Monica Menez founding of manufactories, primary amongst them the <strong>MEISSEN</strong> ® Porcelain Manufactory (1710). Seize the day – gilt three times over, use the time! No item of <strong>MEISSEN</strong> ® <strong>Joaillerie</strong> reflects this attitude better than the “Follia.” Art lover Augustus would no doubt also have been fascinated: and perhaps he would have placed the splendid necklace around the pretty neck of his beautiful mistress, Countess Cosel – naturally before he ejected her from the Dresden court in 1716... In any case, the “Follia” displays zest and sensuality in every detail. Opulent und baroque, ornate and at the same time indescribably feminine – it is an homage to the beauty of life and the uniqueness of woman. Lavish, feminine and selfassured, with the characteristic <strong>MEISSEN</strong> ® symbols, such as the “pug” and the “golden key”, which court jeweller and goldsmith Johann Jacob Irminger designed at the <strong>MEISSEN</strong> ® manufactory as early as 1714, the rich tradition of the over 300yearold manufactory is combined with the approach to life and design of the present age. Jewellery that combines tradition and modernity perfectly with one another. And ingenious in its execution, because the “Follia” can be worn as necklace, sautoir, belt or pin. In addition, it also reflects a philosophy for life in jewellery. Because of what inspired people to celebrate parties and soar to artistic heights in the face of war, transience and demonstrations of pow er still applies today: life is wonderful, but it is finite. Al though the world is filled with problems seize the day and decorate yourself and your life. Baroque is now.