Lawyer 1750 - 1765

This porcelain sculpture, named "Lawyer" and crafted by Mennecy, presents us with a figure adorned in the elaborate attire of legal authority. The artist's keen eye for detail shapes the character's clothing, from the ermine-trimmed robe marked with deliberate black spots to the spectacles perched comically on his nose. The composition of the statue is carefully structured to convey a sense of self-importance. The vertical lines of the robe and hat elongate the figure, while the contrasting colours create a visual hierarchy, drawing attention to the meticulously detailed waistcoat. The slight tilt of the head and the gesturing hand, add a dynamism that enlivens the otherwise rigid form. The cultural codes embedded in the statue reflect the 18th-century fascination with social roles and satire. The exaggeration of the lawyer’s attire underscores the period's critique of power and status. The use of porcelain, a precious material, further complicates the message. Ultimately, the statue is a complex semiotic object that challenges fixed meanings and invites ongoing interpretations.