Amazing Mezzetino Commedia Dell'Arte Figurine

This is one of the best figurines from the Commedia dell'arte aka the Italian Comedy series made by Nymphenburg in the early 20th century. These were first modelled by Franz Anton Bustelli, regarded as one of the best porcelain sculptors, in about 1760 and are still as popular as ever today! And one can see why with the superb and lifelike poses and the top notch hand painted details especially around the bottom end of the skirt! This figurine here is of Mezzetino holding a swaddled monkey like a baby. The counter piece to this would be Lalage holding a spoon in one hand and a bowl in the other in order to feed the little monkey baby - sadly I do not currently have that figure! The piece is hand painted with a colorful design more common to Harlequin type figures and standing on a typical Nymphenburg base. The figurine is stunning and amazingly in perfect condition. This is one of my favorite figures in the world of porcelain! The figurine is 7.5 inches tall, 4 inches wide and 3.625 inches deep. It is marked with the impressed shield mark on the back of the base as well as another impressed shield mark underneath and impressed number 68 over 0 as well as a red number 4395 as shown. The figurine is in perfect condition. New these cost in the five figures and are often not as nice as the older pieces.