Scowling Harlequin

Manufacturer Meissen Porcelain Manufactory (German, founded 1710)

Modeler Johann Joachim Kändler (German, 1706 - 1775)

CultureGerman

OriginMeissen, Dresden, Germany

Datec.1738-40

MediumHard-paste porcelain with overglaze enamels, gilding

DimensionsOverall: 19.4 x 8.1 x 10 cm (7 5/8 x 3 3/16 x 3 15/16 in.)

MarkingsNone

DescriptionThe Harlequin stands upright, his left leg pressed against a white tree stump, with bent knee, resting against the base. His right hand is raised to his head, and in it he clutches a dagger, while his left, held down away from his body holds a slapstick. His forehead is contracted in deep, angry lines, above his aqualine nose. His dark eyes are wide open, beneath the thick eyebrows. His lips are pressed together, and the corners of the mouth turned down.

He wears a flat, grey hat with turned up brim on short, black hair. At the left side of the hat is a red plume with a yellow rosette. His ruff is white, and he has white narrow ruffles at his wrists. He wears a long-sleeved, short-skirted tunic, with a puce ribbon round his hips, and it has a broad gold border in the front, with gilt yellow, the other half is green. The long tight trousers have one leg white and pink striped, the other beige. His stockings are white and his shoes black with large blue rosettes. There is a pad base without decoration.

Credit LineGift of George and Helen Gardiner

Object numberG83.1.907

Classifications

European Ceramics

Sub-classification

German Porcelain

Collections

Status

On view