Figure of the Day: Mezzetin, 1764

Figure of Mezzetin
Germany, 1764
The Victoria & Albert Museum

This hard-paste  porcelain and enamel figure by Wenzel Neu (1707-1774) was made in Thuringia, Germany for the Kloster-Veilsdorg Porcelain Factory.  It depicts “Mezzetin,” a character from the Commedia dell'arte holding a palette in one hand, to which he points with the other hand.

Mezzetin is shown in his traditional costume of a cloak coat, breeches and cap of yellow stripes with green, a white ruff collar and red shoes.