Indiscreet Harlequin 1735 - 1745

This porcelain sculpture, "Indiscreet Harlequin," was crafted by the Meissen Manufactory. The first impression is one of playful intrigue, achieved through the composition of three figures arranged in a dynamic, almost triangular form. Note how the figures intertwine, creating a visual dance. The Harlequin below, dressed in a checkered costume, seems to support the flirtatious exchange above. Consider how the artist employs asymmetry to destabilize a clear narrative, suggesting multiple layers of meaning. The bright colors and intricate detailing typical of Meissen porcelain draw the eye, yet they also serve to heighten the scene's theatricality. The texture, achieved through delicate molding and painting, adds a tactile quality, inviting us to contemplate the complex interplay of seeing and feeling. The sculpture invites us to reconsider traditional notions of decorum.