Bullfinch (one of a pair) 1745 - 1755

Editor: Right, next up we have “Bullfinch (one of a pair)" created sometime between 1745 and 1755 by the Meissen Manufactory. They're porcelain sculptures, and there’s something incredibly charming about their detail. I feel like they capture a fleeting moment, but they’re frozen in ceramic time. What catches your eye in this piece, as someone with a lot of expertise in decorative art? Curator: Charm is the perfect word. And “frozen ceramic time”... I adore that. For me, these bullfinches whisper stories of a world obsessed with beauty. Imagine a noble household of the mid-18th century, sunlight glinting off the porcelain. They were status symbols, tokens of refined taste. Rococo, of course, and unapologetically frivolous. Tell me, does the slight gloss of the piece evoke in you the high class opulence of the era, or the artistic mastery it embodies? Editor: I'd say a little bit of both, but now that you mention the Rococo aspect, I can really see the attention to ornate detail. Curator: Precisely! Meissen were at the peak of their game. Notice the carefully molded feathers, the delicate branch the birds perch on. They weren't just replicating nature; they were *improving* it, according to the sensibilities of the time. What do you think they represent beyond pure decoration? A little bit of social commentary perhaps? Editor: It's tempting to say that something like this reflects the Rococo love for natural themes, and their decorative usage within a household. Do you see a different possible meaning, or subtext? Curator: Perhaps a commentary on wealth? Capturing the transient beauty of nature and, in essence, *owning* it. A playful commentary, though – very much *tongue-in-cheek.* I love art historical winks! I mean I believe it may capture this social snapshot but like yourself I would rather reflect upon and appreciate the artistic nuances in equal measure. Editor: I can't say that I disagree. Now, whenever I see little details like that I am sure to wonder a bit more about the art historical and societal factors in their usage and intent. Curator: Wonderful! This has certainly altered the piece in my eyes, offering up new levels of interpretation.