Bidspirit auction | Meissen Commedia Dell'Arte Harlequin Dancing

Meissen Commedia Dell'Arte Harlequin Dancing - Meissen, Germany. Modelled by J.J. Kandler. Porcelain figure of Harlequin dancing, ca. 1740. In a jacket with panels of playing cards, checkered pattern in colors and snood and black breeches and shoes, his cloak over his shoulder, on flower-encrusted mound base. Provenance: Christie's, London, ”The Nyffeler Collection of German Porcelain, ” June 9, 1986, Lot 45; The Distinguished Collection of Leo & Doris Hodroff. This figure represents a character from the Italian Commedia dell'arte, a type of improvised comic drama or street theater popular in Europe. The figurines in this series were primarily modelled in the 1730s-1740s by Kandler as well as Peter Reinicke. Kandler's probable attendance at performances appears in his characteristically expressive facial features and the theatrical vitality of the engaging figures. It is these features that made them highly popular both when they were first released through to the present day. Harlequin is one of the best-known comic servant characters from the canon. Often depicted with a checkered costume pursuing his love Columbine. Height: 6 3/4 in x width: 3 in x depth: 3 1/4 in. Condition: There is a repair to the figure's raised hand. Very light wear to the pigment in some places. Light wear to the underside.