Fisherwoman 1740 - 1748

Curator: The first thing I notice is the sheen of the porcelain. It’s a lovely example of Meissen craftsmanship, this figurine titled "Fisherwoman". Editor: She seems to embody prosperity, doesn't she? Holding that sizeable fish with such poise. It's a powerful, feminine symbol of abundance. Curator: Indeed. Considering Meissen's history, this piece likely served as a display of wealth, porcelain being such a prized material. This figurine represents the intersection of labor, craft, and consumption. Editor: And the fish itself! It's not just food; it’s a longstanding symbol of fertility and transformation. A real wealth of symbolic weight contained in that creature, carefully rendered. Curator: Yes, the meticulous detailing surely speaks to the skill involved in creating such a piece, highlighting the material value through labor-intensive production. Editor: It's a potent combination—the material luxury intertwined with these age-old symbolic associations. I'm still struck by how the fish transforms her status in this image, though. Curator: Understanding the economics of porcelain production definitely changes the way one views these figurines. Editor: Absolutely, and tracing the evolution of that fish as a symbol would be fascinating too.