March 29 to June 30, 2008
The Busch-Reisinger Museum (more about the Busch-Reisinger Museum)

Isabella and Octavio, from the Italian Commedia dell'arte. Modeled by Franz Anton Bustelli and manufactured by the Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory, c. 1760. Hard-paste porcelain; 19.8 cm and 18.8 cm. Busch-Reisinger Museum, Gift of Charles L. Kuhn in memory of Minnie S. Kuhn, BR33.14 and BR33.15. Photo: Photographic Services © President and Fellows of Harvard College.

In the 18th century, porcelain was not just an art to amuse and delight the eye: it was also a potent source of prestige and a demonstration of power. The Meissen factory, under the protection of Saxony's Augustus the Strong, in 1710 became the first European producer of porcelain, and soon every minor duchy throughout Europe angled to repeat Meissen's triumph. This installation of five works, drawn from the Busch-Reisinger Museum's permanent collection, examines the use of porcelain figurines as intriguing table decorations at elaborate baroque court festivals and banquets. It features objects from Meissen, Nymphenburg, and Höchst manufactories and encourages a fresh experience of the works by suggesting their original context and function.

Organized by Heather Hess, 2006–2008 Stefan Engelhorn Curatorial Fellow. Partial funding was generously provided by the German Friends of the Busch-Reisinger Museum.