Figure of Harlequin

Dateca. 1760

Maker Bow Porcelain Manufactory 1749-1776

MediumSoft-paste porcelain

DimensionsH: 7 5/16", L: 3 1/8", W: 3 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1936-637,1

DescriptionMolded, soft-paste porcelain figure of a man, resembling Harlequin. The figure rests against a tree stump that is covered with leaves and flowers. He stands with his right knee bent putting his weight on the left leg. His head is thrown back and both arms are raised. He wears a yellow hat, black mask, yellow shoes with gold buckles, jacket, and pants. The jacket and pants are decorated with yellow, red, green, and black triangles, characteristic of Harlequin. The figure is mounted on a four footed, Rococo style stand. It has moulded scrolls in relief which have been highlighted with purple and gilding.
Label TextThe character of Harlequin was popular in the masquerade. Harlequin's distinctive costume with the colored patches may have a relationship to that of the Medieval Fool. Harlequin's multicolored costume symbolizes his chameleon-like, multifaceted character, at once stupid, brilliant, absurd, cunning, shrewd, and nimble in mind and body.Inscription(s)NoMark(s)NoProvenancePurchased from: J. Rochelle Thomas