Mezzetin 1735 - 1745

Curator: Oh, he’s utterly captivating! So full of…drama. Look at the tilt of his head, that confident little smirk. It is delightful! Editor: Indeed! Here we have the Mezzetin figure crafted between 1735 and 1745 at the Meissen Manufactory. It's porcelain, isn't it amazing? Curator: Porcelain… yes, and what I immediately see is a certain emotional dexterity. This Mezzetin embodies the spirit of theatre and also conveys emotional intensity. Editor: Mezzetin as a character—his roots lie in the Commedia dell’Arte. That semi-tragic figure always just out of reach of love's grasp. This figurine captures it so well, wouldn't you agree? Curator: Absolutely! See his costume - its almost mocking you with its elegance. He is wearing that ridiculous ruff and theatrical garb, yet, it isn't quite the clown… He’s… more thoughtful. You feel for him and with him. It isn’t just about laughter. He represents so many shades of the human condition. The subtle details – the gentle curve of the cape, the half smile! Editor: And consider this figure in its historical context. Meissen porcelain represented the height of luxury in that era, a symbol of status. A character like Mezzetin being rendered in such precious material tells a fascinating story. Curator: He becomes a beautiful lie! To have it immortalized in porcelain! Almost as if saying, even sorrow can be beautiful. Oh the stories it holds! He seems so carefree at first glance… almost mocking the seriousness of everything... then you see it, that longing. It pierces through you! Editor: A testament to the power of symbols! This Mezzetin connects us to centuries of performances, reminding us of emotions felt across time and traditions. Curator: I can’t help but see him as a kind of mirror… revealing something about ourselves too. The yearning for acceptance, the sting of rejection. It’s timeless. Editor: Yes, art's great power lies in how it connects us. A porcelain figure of a comedic character made so long ago can bring all of that to life for us in this moment. Amazing!