Woodpecker (one of a pair) 1740

This pair of porcelain woodpeckers, created by the Meissen Manufactory in 1740, are a fine example of the German porcelain tradition. The birds are depicted in a realistic and detailed style, with their feathers painted in shades of white, black, and brown. The woodpeckers are perched on stylized tree stumps, adorned with delicate floral accents. These figures, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, are a testament to the artistry and technical skill of the Meissen porcelain makers.