A Meissen Italian Comedy group of Pantalone and an Actress circa 1745

modelled by J.J.Kaendler , the seated tease fondling the beard of the old gentleman, who stoops towards her in typical pose ( some restoration and chips)

Small chips to his beard. Chips to all her fingers of left hand. Her slippers restored and chi[pped. Minor losses to applied flowers and leaves
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This rare group, modelled in 1741, has in the past been described as 'Pantalone and Columbine' , but the discovery of what may well be the printed source, Christoph Weigel's  1723 engraving ' Troupe of Italian Comedians' shows the couple at centre stage, with the unmistakeable figure of  Columbine standing behind them.  The scene here seems likely to be between Pantalone and one of the many inamorata he would flirt with in the course of a typical performance.

For the model, see Meredith Chilton, Harlequin Unmask'd, fig.109, and for the source print, fig.305

As Meredith Chilton notes,  Kaendler's updating of the group includes dressing  the girl in the then-fashionable  ruffled, diagonally-cut bodice which amounts to 'almost an invitation...,'

This lot is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis from Cranfield University, England. Tests undertaken show that the green enamel contains high levels of copper oxide, a technology that is known to date before 1802. After 1802 Meissen copper green enamels were replaced with chromium green. The composition of the green enamel on this group is therefore consistent with a manufacture that pre-dates 1802.