Joseph Fröhlich 1738

This is a porcelain figure of Joseph Fröhlich, made at the Meissen Manufactory in Germany. While undated, it likely comes from the mid-18th century. But who was Fröhlich and why immortalize him in porcelain? He was the court jester to Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland, who founded Meissen. The figure then provides a window into the world of courtly entertainment, spectacle, and power relations. The figure's costume, with its playful hat and exaggerated features, speaks to the culture of amusement cultivated by the European elite. But it also begs the question, who had access to this imagery? Porcelain was prized for its expense, so only a select few would own this figure. Unlocking its deeper meaning requires that we consider the social function of this artwork. Careful archival research into Fröhlich's life, and the history of the Meissen Manufactory, would illuminate the figure's intended audience, and the dynamics of the royal court.