Mezzetino c. 1754

This porcelain figurine, titled "Mezzetino," depicts a figure in a theatrical pose. It was created by Simon Feilner, a prominent German porcelain artist, around 1754, just a few years before his untimely death in 1770. The figure is dressed in elaborate clothing with a flowing purple cape and a decorative striped costume. "Mezzetino" is likely a reference to a character in commedia dell'arte, a form of Italian improvisational theater popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. The figure's theatrical gesture, elegant clothing, and painted porcelain details showcase Feilner's mastery of the Rococo style, a period known for its playful and decorative art. This figurine is currently on display at the Art Institute of Chicago.