Harlequin

This is a rare and amazing figurine of a harlequin made by Meissen in the 1740's. It is about as early a figurine that one can find made by them. The figure is of a dancing Halequin who is one of the Commedia del Arte figurines. The Commedia dell'arte pieces are probably the most highly collected pieces around. He was modeled by Peter Reinke and supposedly used to be a part of the collection of the Duke de la Force family. He used to be displayed at the Berlin museum in the 1920's and finally made his way to me :) This figurine has everything going for it. It was painted when it was made (very important!) and not later. It has superb colors and a nice design. Conditin wise it is a difficult one as I cannot spot anything. The tip of the hat is broken but this is from the making. I found an old reference to him at a sale in Berlin that stated the hat brim and hands were restored but if so they are done perfectly. So this one is sold as is since I have no idea which is pretty rare. The figurine is 5.75 inches tall and he is unmarked but obviously Meissen. There is a museum ID underneath. Flat base underneath with the airhole typical of these early pieces. Please email me for more information or other pictures.