Mezzetin

Art Historical Context

**Mezzetin**, a delightful hard-paste porcelain figurine around 1740 by Johann Joachim Känd for the Meissen Manuf, captures the playful spirit of 18th-century European decorative. Standing just 7¼ inches tall, this charming sculpture depicts Mezzetin, a mischievous character from the Italian *Commedia dell'arte* tradition—a flirtatious valet known for his amorous escapades and theatrical flair. Kändler Meissen's renowned chief modeler, brought these lively figures to life, making them coveted status symbols among the aristocracy. Meissen, based in Germany, revolutionized ceramics by perfectin...