Meissen, crossed swords mark, 1st choice, model by Peter Reinicke 1744, model no. 592, figure from the Commedia dellarte/Italian comedy series for Johann Adolf II, Duke of Sachsen-Weißenfels, rest., H approx. 13 cm, pommel swords mid-19th century to 1923. In the 18th century, the Meissner manufactory brought various series of small theater sculptures based on designs by JJ Kaendler, P. Reinicke, JF Eberlein and FE Meyer, some of which have been repeatedly revised. The Italian comedian figures, almost always wearing masks, reflect certain types or professions. It was played without a fixed text, mostly only with scenic instructions in the form of farcical impromptu theatre. The 19-figure series that Peter Reinicke created for the last duke of the Electoral Saxon Sekundogenitur Sachsen-Weißenfels is smaller and more delicate than the other Meissner Commedia dellarte figures, which gives them a very special appeal.
