A MEISSEN WHITE GROUP OF THE INDISCREET HARLEQUIN
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A MEISSEN WHITE GROUP OF THE INDISCREET HARLEQUIN

CIRCA 1742

Details
A MEISSEN WHITE GROUP OF THE INDISCREET HARLEQUIN
CIRCA 1742
Modelled by J.J. Kaendler, with Columbine seated on Beltrame's lap in an amorous embrace, Harlequin reclining at their feet, sticking out his tongue while peeping up Columbine's skirt, Beltrame in a soft cloth hat, waistcoat, chemise, jacket and breeches, Columbine in a small tricorn hat with feathered plumes, a chemise and bodice, skirt and shoes, Harlequin in a chequered jacket and trousers, on a shaped mound base applied with flowers and foliage (restoration to Beltrame's right hand, Columbine's left sleeve, Harelquin's left foot a restored replacement, scattered small chips)
6¾ in. (17.2 cm.) high
Special notice
VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price and at 20% on the buyer's premium.

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Lot Essay

The Pauls-Eisenbeiss example is illustrated by Erika Pauls-Eisenbeiss, German Porcelain of the 18th Century, London, 1972, Vol. I, pp. 268-269, where other examples are also listed.

See Meredith Chilton, Harlequin Unmasked, Singapore, 2001, p. 138, fig. 225 and pp. 304-305, no. 93 for the example of this model in the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art, Toronto. Chilton suggests that the group could have been derived from a blend of two separate print sources. She suggests that the couple's pose could be derived from one of Petrus Schenk's series of twelve engravings, 'Les Amours de Columbine' (which show Columbine 'paired in amorous positions with almost every male member of the troupe') showing Columbine seated on Harlequin's lap (illustrated p. 138, fig. 226). She suggests that Harlequin's pose could be based on Gregorio Lambranzi's engraving from 'The New and Eccentric School of Theatrical Dancing', where Harlequin is shown 'concealed' on the ground and reaching up 'in order to steal from an unsuspecting blind beggar' (illustrated p. 138, fig. 227).

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