1760-1770, MANY WITH INTERLACED C MARK AT THE BACK, VARIOUS INCISED MARKS TO THE UNDERSIDE AND PAINTER'S MARKS IN IRON-RED

The present miniature figures and the previous lot are part of a Ludwigsburg 'Jahrmarkt' scene, or market square. These stages, market booths and miniature figures were produced by the factory between 1760 and 1770. They have traditionally been referred to as from a Venetian Carnival, in part because Herzog Karl Eugen von Württemberg visited Venice in 1767. Some of the figures are masked and wearing cloaks typically worn at the Venetian carnival. In fact, these figures are known to have been produced prior to the Duke's visit and more likely depict players in the Commedia dell'Arte or the Comedie Française. These theatrical productions would have been performed by travelling players in the market square of towns such as Ludwigsburg during the 18th century. Also in the marketplace would have been found selling booths and merchants similar to those depicted by the present porcelains. A more complete 'Jahrmarkt' originally owned by Damian August Philip Carl Reichsgraff von Liburg-Styrum, Archbishop of Speyer and more recently in the collection of the Margrave and Grand Duke of Baden was sold by Sotheby's on the premises of the Neues Schloss, Baden-Baden, 6-7 October 1995, lot 823, I-LI.