Harlequin 1735 - 1749

Curator: Immediately, I notice how the light catches those glossy surfaces. It gives the figurine an almost theatrical vibrancy. Editor: That's apt, considering we're looking at a porcelain sculpture entitled "Harlequin," crafted sometime between 1735 and 1749. It is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Curator: The Harlequin character, of course, has deep roots in the Commedia dell'arte tradition. But why porcelain? To me, it seems an odd choice. Editor: Ah, but consider the status of porcelain in the 18th century! It was a highly prized material, a symbol of wealth and refined taste. Placing Harlequin, a traditionally popular, even vulgar character, in this medium elevates him, perhaps suggesting a blurring of social boundaries. Curator: I see your point. And the detail is incredible; look at the intricate diamond pattern of his costume, the playful swirl of the hat. Those are quintessential elements of the Rococo. Still, the mask obscures his face and I wonder what role that element has on its viewership. Editor: Exactly, that mask is classic Harlequin. Beyond concealing his identity, masks like that in Commedia dell'arte served to amplify his performance and intentions. It’s a symbolic invitation into the world of comedic subversion, daring and wordplay. I see him perpetually acting out some trickster's play for the viewer. Curator: So, the choice of porcelain coupled with his traditional dress serve to create a representation that manages to exist in multiple social registers, right? How does this sculpture become an invitation into performance and also display elevated craftsmanship and rococo sophistication? What does that accomplish culturally and politically? Editor: The figure really embodies a sense of tension between the everyday world of performance and the refined art world, reminding us that art and the theater were never far apart. It invites one to think about cultural values around wealth, sophistication, and commonness, especially those who would have consumed artworks like this when this sculpture was originally produced. Curator: So well put, this is an intricate and clever construction. Editor: Absolutely. Seeing it here really made me re-evaluate the symbolic potential inherent to that enduring figure.