Figure in the form of a seated man (one of a pair) 1735 - 1740

Here we see a porcelain figure, approximately 6 1/4 inches tall, created by the Meissen Manufactory. This sculpture presents a seated man adorned in a floral robe, offering a striking visual interplay between the three-dimensional form and the two-dimensional floral patterns. Note how the figure's posture establishes a stable vertical axis, yet the subtle asymmetry in the placement of the arms and the monkey introduces a dynamic tension. The porcelain material, with its smooth, reflective surface, enhances the vibrant colors and intricate details, underscoring the cultural and historical context of artistic exchange. The composition challenges fixed notions of representation, engaging with the fluidity of cultural signs and symbols. It prompts us to consider how the artwork destabilizes established meanings, offering a reinterpretation of cultural identity and artistic expression.