Dancer (one of a pair) 1753 - 1763

Curator: Immediately striking! The stark white punctuated by delicate flourishes gives this "Dancer," made by the Höchst Manufactory sometime between 1753 and 1763, a uniquely arresting quality. Editor: It's quite delightful. The dynamism captured in the figure is remarkable given that it's crafted from porcelain, a relatively brittle material. The artist really captures a sense of lightness. Curator: Höchst was one of the first porcelain factories in Germany. This dancer, part of a pair, speaks to the period's fascination with courtly entertainments and the status of owning such refined, delicate objects. It projects aristocratic leisure and cultivation. Editor: I'm captivated by the compositional choices, actually. Note how the upward gaze and outreached arms lead the eye up, reinforcing the feeling of buoyancy. Then the ruffled edges of the garment add incredible textural contrast to the smoothness of the porcelain skin. Curator: Right. The choice of porcelain was far from arbitrary. Porcelain production was linked with national prestige; each ruling house wanted to produce it in quantity and quality that equaled or bettered all others. These figurines ended up as coveted diplomatic gifts or signs of elevated status. Editor: Looking at the base, there's this sort of rococo swirl, not really integrated with the figure's motion, but definitely creating visual interest. Do you think it was added for purely aesthetic reasons or did it also lend stability? Curator: Good question! A bit of both, probably. Ornament was rarely separated from functionality at the time. The swirl grounds him, literally and metaphorically, as an object to be owned and displayed—further cementing the political power associated with these things. The swirl itself is very stylish and very contemporary! Editor: Agreed. Well, regardless of its history and significance, the figurine displays considerable technical virtuosity and understanding of form, creating visual excitement even now. Curator: Indeed, and seeing such items in collections like the Met serves as an ongoing reminder of the complex historical contexts from which "art" emerges and how value itself shifts over time.