Actor (one of a pair) 1725 - 1745

These porcelain figures were made at the Saint-Cloud factory in France, likely in the early 18th century, when the popularity of the Comédie Italienne was at its peak. These actors, with their stylized poses and colorful costumes, would have been instantly recognizable to contemporary audiences. The figures reflect the vogue for theatrical subjects during the reign of Louis XIV, when court entertainments were central to political life. At this time, French porcelain factories like Saint-Cloud sought to capture the luxury market, imitating the forms and decoration of imported Chinese ceramics, but with a distinctly European sensibility. Art historians analyze these figures by consulting theater archives, costume books, and factory records. These resources allow us to understand how the porcelain figures reflect the spectacle of the stage and the economic ambitions of the French decorative arts industry. Studying this intersection offers insight into the social and institutional forces that shaped artistic production.