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| Crying Boy Germany, c. 1750 The Victoria & Albert Museum |
Made in Germany around 1750, this bust of ivory is the work of Johann Christian Ludwig von Lücke (1703 - 1780). This is one of several ivory bust created by the artist which depict disconsolate children. Von Lücke excelled at showing the physical manifestation of emotion. For example, look at the face of the child here. His teeth, gums and tongue are visible, tears forming in his eyes and his nose is running. To create the look of fluid with a solid medium and one as layered as ivory is quite exceptional.
The bust is signed on the back, '”L. von. Lücke.” Aside from his ivory carving (a family tradition, actually), he famously worked as a modeler in the Meissen factory before travelling around Germany, working in various towns until his death.
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