Figurine c. 1740 - 1760

This figurine, housed here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, is an anonymous creation made of porcelain. The figurine’s material is crucial to understanding it. Porcelain, a refined ceramic, carries significant social and cultural weight. Its smooth, translucent quality reflects the meticulous process of its creation, involving precise formulation and high-temperature firing. Historically, porcelain production was a closely guarded secret, making it a prized commodity associated with luxury and sophistication. The figurine's whiteness speaks to the pursuit of purity and perfection, ideals often associated with elite culture. The figure's delicate features, crisp drapery, and refined form further emphasize its association with wealth and status. Each detail is painstakingly rendered, suggesting a high degree of skill. Looking at this figurine, it is easy to see how the choice of material and the process of making are integral to its significance. It's a reminder that objects, even decorative ones, are deeply embedded in the social and economic contexts of their time.