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Doctor, from the Commedia Dell'arte, Bow Porcelain, circa 1752

About the Item

Il Dottore from the Commedia dell’Arte, in the white. He stands in an histrionic pose against a tree stump and wears a high brimmed hat (presumably a black academic bonnet), long-buttoned coat over frilled cuffs, falling jabeaux, breeches, boots and a cloak; his right hand on hip, his left arm and hand raised. Slightly grey-white porcelain; even, unctuous glaze. Straw translucency. Underside wiped; air hole at centre. Square hole at rear for mount. Measure: H 6.3 in (16 cm). Provenance: Taylor Collection, from Stockspring Antiques, London, 1998. The Miss G. M. Rhodes Collection. Other examples: In the white, Katz Collection, MFA, Boston, as ‘Actor from the Italian Comedy, circa 1750, 6.25 in, unmarked’ (#1988.578). The Doctor character of the Commedia was a pompous ignoramus, a womaniser; reputedly a professor of medicine from Bologna, commonly, but not exclusively named Boloardo; father of Capitano Rodomondo, suitor of Isabella, favoured by Pantaloon. His costume was generally black with a white ruffle and an academic bonnet. Bradshaw 1992, illustrates a later Bow model, with Isabella, (B7 and 8, Plate 72, p. 116), standing on flowered rococo bases; circa 1764, their costumes in colours and gilt, entirely unrelated to the traditional representation of the character. Chelsea examples, circa 1755 occur. This early Bow model was apparently derived from an original Kändler model for the Duke of Weissenfel's Commedia dell’Arte set, 1744.
  • Creator:
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 9.25 in (23.5 cm)Width: 4 in (10.16 cm)Depth: 3 in (7.62 cm)
  • Style:
    Neoclassical (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1752
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    Melbourne, AU
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 49151stDibs: LU315139042603
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