8 June 2016 Russian Art and Photography Auctions
8 June 2016
* 313. An Articulated Faience Figurine of a Jester
S. POSKHOCHIN MANUFACTORY, ST PETERSBURG, MID 19TH CENTURY
4,000-6,000 GBP
Height 19 cm.
Realistically modelled, wearing festive dress of yellow pantaloons, a green jacket and a gold vest with a collar, the detachable articulated head with metal fixing, posed standing with his hands on his hips on an oval shaped cream base decorated with three-dimensional multicoloured flower buds and leaves, with an 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
Fr hlich (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. Fr hlich 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.