Crinoline lady 1750 - 1762

This porcelain "Crinoline Lady," standing a little over six inches tall, was made by the Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory in Germany. Porcelain is a high-status material, made by combining kaolin clay with other minerals and firing at extremely high temperatures. This results in a translucent, glass-like surface, perfect for delicate modeling. The figure is shaped in a mold and then hand-painted. Note the floral motifs on the dress and the subtle flesh tones of the face and hands. It is important to remember that these figurines were luxury items, made for display in wealthy homes. They reflect the fashion and social ideals of the time. The production of porcelain like this involved a complex division of labor, with some workers specializing in molding, others in painting, and still others in firing the kiln. Understanding the labor and the elaborate making process involved, as well as its social context, is essential to appreciating the full meaning of this exquisite object.