Cynthio 1745 - 1760

The Höchst Manufactory crafted this porcelain figure titled Cynthio. Standing at just over eight inches, the figure strikes a jaunty pose atop a geometrically-shaped base. The composition is dominated by soft pastel hues. The figure's rust-coloured coat contrasts with his white shirt and stockings, creating a delicate balance. The black shoes and hat add visual weight, grounding the piece and drawing the eye downward. This careful color balance is not accidental. In the 18th century, porcelain figures were more than mere decoration. They were signifiers of wealth and taste. Note how the figure's stance, with one hand raised, exudes a sense of theatre and artifice. This theatricality is further emphasized by the figure's elaborate costume, with the attention to detail in the folds of the fabric and the delicate lace cuffs. This figure operates within a complex semiotic system. Every element from the color palette to the figure's pose, is laden with meaning. It serves not just as an aesthetic object but also as a reflection of its time, embodying the values and aspirations of the society that produced it.