1791 - Monkey clarinetist from the Monkey Band—Johann Joachim Kaendler

Monkey clarinetist from the Monkey Band—Johann Joachim Kaendler Royal and State Porcelain Manufactory, Meissen 1850–1924. Porcelain, white, glazed. Painted in polychrome and gold. Blue pommel sword mark under the glaze. One grinding mark. Engraved model no. 4. Impressed modeler’s no. 115. Red painter’s no. 12. Height: 13.2 cm. Monkey with a clarinet in a light blue jacket, on a rocaille-decorated round pedestal with a rising support trunk. Designed by Johann Joachim Kaendler (1706–1775) around 1753–1765 in collaboration with Peter Reinicke. The Monkey Band, consisting of 21 figures and a music stand, is one of the most popular examples of Meissen Baroque. The depiction of monkeys—“les singeries,” which parody human behavior—was a particularly popular theme in France. Drawings by the French “singerie” painter Christophe Huet (1694–1759) served as the model for the Meissen ensemble. -Condition: Extensively restored: clarinet, neck, and both hands; both legs and tail; all three locks of hair; base partially restored. Sleeves show minimal wear.