MacDougall's Russian Art Auctions 25 March 2015
25 March 2015
* 42.
An Articulated Faience Figurine of a Jester
8,000—12,000 GBP
S. POSKHOCHIN MANUFACTORY, ST PETERSBURG, MID 19TH CENTURY
Height 19 cm.
with impressed manufactory mark
In the 18th century jesters were a favourite source of merriment for monarchs in their life at court. A true legend among these was Augustus II the Strong’s court jester Joseph Fröhlich (1694–1757) who served the King’s court for more than 30 years and was often called “court magician”. There are quite a few depictions of this jester that have been preserved to the present day. Fröhlich was one of the few people to allow himself to parody courtiers and think up witty and highly caustic jokes at their expense, ridiculing their flaws and weaknesses. Augustus II the Strong was fascinated by his jester and commissioned the Meissen porcelain manufactory to make a figure of him. Unfortunately, only the later versions of the figure survived, which were then used as models for reproduction by Russian private manufactories.
Notes on symbols:
* Indicates 5% Import Duty Charge applies.
Ω Indicates 20% Import Duty Charge applies.
§ Indicates Artist's Resale Right applies.
† Indicates Standard VAT scheme applies, and the rate of 20% VAT will be charged on both hammer price and premium.