Bidspirit auction | Meissen Commedia Dell'Arte Mezzatino Dancing

Meissen Commedia Dell'Arte Mezzatino Dancing - Meissen, Germany. Modelled by J.J. Kandler. Porcelain Commedia Dell'Arte figure of Mezzetino, ca. 1740-1746. Painted in a puce hat with a striped jacket and yellow and white breeches. He holds a pince-nez in his right hand while taking a pinch from a snuff box at his waist. Trace blue crossed swords mark on base. Provenance: Christie's, London, ”The Nyffeler Collection of German Porcelain, ” June 9, 1986, Lot 80; 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. Mezzetino has been part of the canon of characters since the 16th century, often as a variation of the harlequin, usually depicted with stripes. He is depicted as an adept schemer and trouble-maker, though usually gentler than his more violent brother Brighella. Height: 7 in x width: 4 1/2 in x depth: 4 3/4 in. Condition: There are a few small chips and losses to the floral elements. There are signs of restoration to the back of the figure's left shoulder, the figure's hat, the outstretched leg (likely reattached and a hairline crack is visible), to the other leg, and to one of the floral elements along the base. Light wear to the gilt and pigment. Some wear to the underside.