Franz Anton Bustelli (1723-1763)

JULIA FROM THE SERIES COMMEDIA DELL`ARTE

Germany, Nymphenburg, Staatliche Porzellan-Manufaktur, A. Bäuml, 20th century, design about 1760
White porcelain, color painted, flesh tones, gilded details of the dress and low rococo plinth. In the 18th century, porcelain figurines depicting characters from the Italian commedia dell`arte were exceptionally popular. Figures forming a typical Italian comedy troupe were immediately recognizable to audiences because of their costumes, the details of which were faithfully copied into porcelain figures. These were produced in all major German porcelain factories, however, those made in Nymphenburg are among the most perfect. Around 1760, Franz Anton Bustelli modeled 16 characters from the Italian commedia dell`arte, fully justifying his reputation as one of the finest porcelain modelers of the 18th century. The figures are depicted in very elegant, slightly exaggerated poses, suggesting dance movements, while also expressing a certain aspect of the personality of each character. H. 20,5 cm. Impressed diagonally routed Wittelsbach shield (on the underside) and blue and white, gold-framed (on the plinth), impressed model no. "11 / 0". Condition A. Provenance: private collection, Bavaria.