Harlequine 1735 - 1745

The Vienna manufactory created this porcelain Harlequine figurine, now at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and it encapsulates the visual culture of its time. During this period, porcelain figurines gained popularity among the European aristocracy. The figure of Harlequine, traditionally a male character in commedia dell'arte, is here re-imagined as a woman, reflecting the changing gender dynamics and theatrical traditions of the era. Consider the implications of portraying a traditionally male, mischievous character as a woman. It challenges the period’s gender norms, offering a subversive commentary on identity and performance. Notice the intricate details of her costume. These details reflect the opulence associated with the aristocratic society of the time. The figure’s playful stance and the delicate rendering of her features evoke a sense of coquetry. The figurine offers a window into the social values, artistic trends, and theatrical traditions that shaped the lives of both the artists who created it and the elite audiences who coveted it.