Bolognese dog 1728 - 1738

The Meissen Manufactory created this porcelain Bolognese dog, standing at just under 14 inches tall. During the 18th century, when Meissen was producing this work, porcelain figurines were highly fashionable, reflecting the period's fascination with collecting and display. Dogs, in particular, were a popular subject, often seen as symbols of loyalty and status within the upper classes. But there’s a tension here: the Bolognese breed, known for its small size and fluffy white coat, became a favorite among European nobility. In crafting this figurine, the artisans at Meissen weren't just replicating an animal; they were also encoding social messages about wealth and taste. What does it mean to take an animal— historically a symbol of the hunt or of labor— and to transform it into an emblem of luxury? With its carefully sculpted fur and expressive eyes, this Bolognese dog invites us to reflect on the complex relationships between humans, animals, and the material world.