Disturbed Slumber 1765 - 1775

This porcelain sculpture titled "Disturbed Slumber" was crafted by the Höchst Manufactory in the late 18th century. A scene of children playing pranks unfolds, rendered in the smooth, glossy finish that porcelain allows. Observe how the soft pastel hues of pink, blue, and white create a playful innocence, which clashes with the mischievous scene. The composition centers around the sleeping child, whose repose forms a horizontal anchor, interrupted by the vertical lines of the fence and the poking child. The detailed rendering of textures, from the brickwork to the grassy mound, brings a tactile quality to the scene, further complicating our understanding of the work. Is it simply a charming tableau, or does it destabilize notions of childhood innocence through its carefully constructed composition? This contrast emphasizes the work as a commentary on the performative aspects of innocence.