259 - Extraordinary exotic animal figurine of a crocodile with a child in its jaws, made in Meissen

Extraordinary exotic animal figurine of a crocodile with a child in its jaws, made in Meissen Set on a rectangular natural stone base adorned with relief flowers and leaves, this impressive depiction shows a crocodile in the act of devouring a small child. Finely hatched body details. Polychrome painting. Designed by Peter Reinicke, 1747. Restored; sword mark. H. 9.5 cm. L. 27 cm. A rare, exotic depiction of an immediate life-threatening situation that, in contrast to the often euphemistic chinoiserie motifs, illustrates the dangerous foreign. In 1753, “4 crocodiles” were recorded in Count von Brühl’s confectionery. See Andres-Acevedo 2023, vol. 2, no. 681; Kunze-Köllensperger, Axel Guttmann Collection, fig. 93. A rare and exotic animal figure of a crocodile with a child in its mouth, modeled by P. Reinicke. Restored. Crossed swords mark. Meissen. Circa 1750.