Meissen, sword mark, 1st choice, model by Peter Reinicke 1744, figure from the series of the Commedia dellarte/Italian comedy for Johann Adolf II, Duke of Sachsen-Weißenfels, colored paint, minimally decorated with gold, slightly rest., H approx. 14 cm, around 1750/60. In the 18th century, the Meissner Manufactory brought out various series of small theater sculptures, some of which were repeatedly revised, based on designs by JJ Kaendler, P. Reinicke, JF Eberlein and FE Meyer. 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.
