Mezzetin
Manufacturer
Mennecy Porcelain Manufactory
(French, 1735 - 1773)
CultureFrench
OriginMennecy, Île-de-France, France
PeriodLouis XV (1715-1744)
Datec.1755-1760
MediumSoft-paste porcelain with overglaze enamels, gilding
DimensionsOverall: 21.5 x 9.3 cm (8 7/16 x 3 11/16 in.)
MarkingsIncised DV
DescriptionFigure of Mezzetino, the servant and friend of Harlequin in the Italian Comedy. Mezzetino stands on a rectangular base with his weight on his back right leg, leaning towards the left. His hands are hidden in his short, striped cloak, which matches his hat. He wears a ruffled shirt and a white waistcoat, with many tiny buttons reaching his collar. His loose britches are tied at the knee with yellow garters and ribbons. Puce shoes are also tied with yellow ribbons. The overall colour scheme is of very pale green, yellow and a rose-puce. Decoration has been painted with an exceptionally light hand, giving a feeling of delicacy and grace. Mezzetino's pose is reminiscent of a dancer, listening to music.
Credit LinePurchased with funds raised by the Twelve Trees of Christmas and donations from eight anonymous contributors
Object numberG93.3.1
Classifications
European CeramicsSub-classification
French PorcelainCollections
Status
On viewArtist / Maker: Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory
c.1760-1765
Object number: G83.1.863
Artist / Maker: Johann Joachim Kändler
c. 1930-35
Object number: G83.1.947
Artist / Maker: Meissen Porcelain Manufactory
c.1740-1745; decorated and possibly made in the nineteenth or twentieth century
Object number: G83.1.943.1-2
Artist / Maker: Meissen Porcelain Manufactory
c.1736-40
Object number: G83.1.901
Artist / Maker: Johann Joachim Kretzchmar
c.1714-1720, decoration possibly later
Object number: G83.1.581
Artist / Maker: Meissen Porcelain Manufactory
January 1743
Object number: G83.1.919