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Commedia dell'Arte Figures

Collection Info
Commedia dell'Arte Figures

Among the most distinctive areas of the Gardiner Museum’s collection are its famous group of 150 European porcelain figures inspired by the Commedia dell’Arte. The Commedia dell’Arte was a popular form of theatre that emerged in Europe during the Renaissance, and remained popular until well into the eighteenth century. The collection includes examples from most European porcelain manufactories showing the characters and costumes of the actors, their gestures and comic poses. These figures were usually utilized as ornaments for the table in the eighteenth century.

The origins of the collection are also of interest. It was initially assembled by George Gardiner as a memento of his directorship of Harlequin Enterprises Ltd., publishers of popular novels. It has since been augmented by gifts from William and Molly Anne Macdonald and the heirs of Dr. Hans Syz.

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Narcisin, also known as “The Captain”
Artist / Maker: Peter Reinicke
c.1760-1765
Object number: G83.1.853
Dancing Harlequin
Artist / Maker: Meissen Porcelain Manufactory
April 1744
Object number: G83.1.935
Dottore Boloardo
Artist / Maker: Meissen Porcelain Manufactory
April 1744
Object number: G83.1.930
Beltrame
Artist / Maker: Johann Joachim Kändler
August 1744
Object number: G83.1.928
Scaramouche
Artist / Maker: Peter Reinicke
June 1744
Object number: G83.1.927
Mezzetin
Artist / Maker: Peter Reinicke
August 1744
Object number: G83.1.924
Mezzetin, after a Meissen original
Artist / Maker: Peter Reinicke
c.1755-1765
Object number: G83.1.962