Meissen Model by Johann Joachim Kaendler, shortly before 1740 / Cast and decorated circa 1740 / Height: 16 cm / Length: 15.3 cm / As usual, without crossed swords mark / Biscuit base with large firing hole / Form no.: 344 / Weight: 1.2 kg
This group originates from the collection of Ryland G. Scott, the renowned American porcelain scholar and collector. He featured it in his seminal work, Antique Porcelain Digest (1961). From 1976 to 1996, the Indiscreet Harlequin was exhibited as a highlight of his collection at The High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia.
Also published in: Langeloh 2019, no. 49, pp. 324 ff.
Despite the model's popularity, it does not appear in Kaendler's work reports or the Taxa. Since the Taxa begins with "AO 1740," it can be concluded that the model—corresponding to its early form number 344—was created shortly before 1740.
Our group belongs to the early moldings from around 1740, which differ significantly from later versions from 1742/1745. The Harlequin's protruding tongue, the fine ruffles on Columbine's neckline, and Beltrame's double-layered neck ruff are absent in later examples. Other distinguishing features include the lighter weight of early groups (1.2 vs. 1.5–1.6 kg) and the flatter base with a large firing hole (later versions have two small firing holes on the base and under the bench). The coloring also supports this, particularly Columbine's skirt and the sharply defined early modeling (see Exhibition Catalog 2010, pp. 66 f.; von Wallwitz: Celebrating Kaendler, 2006, p. 85).
Kaendler was likely inspired by Commedia dell'Arte performances at the Dresden court, which began in 1738 with the arrival of the new Venetian troupe, performances he eagerly attended (see Ingelore Menshausen: In Porzellan verzaubert, 1993, p. 56). Columbine's affectionate posture was borrowed by Kaendler from a print by Gerard Jozef Xaveris from the series Het nieuw geopend Italiaans Tóneel, published in the early 18th century by Petrus Schenk in Amsterdam (see Meredith Chilton: Harlequin Unmasked, 2001, p. 138; see image below).
Among the early versions of this model, a small and particularly fine group stands out, distinguished by Columbine wearing a black velvet ribbon with a golden cross around her neck:
Collection of Comte Cini, who bequeathed his collection to the Pinacoteca Capitolina, Rome, in 1881 (D'Agliano Catalog, 2007, no. 5)
Collection von Pannwitz (Helbing Munich, October 24, 1905, no. 313, Plate XXXXXVII) = Collection Hermine Feist (Hofmann 1932, p. 508, fig. 563)
