A Meissen figure of Harlequin alarmed, modelled by J.J. Kändler, circa 1738-40

crouching in a defensive pose with his right arm raised, wearing a puce hat with a green rosette, a black and yellow diamond patterned jacket and blue and orange diamond patterned breeches, a large slapstick through his belt, leaning against a tree-stump on an oval mound base, blue crossed swords mark (some restoration)

Christie's Geneva, 11 May 1987, lot 216

section of base and his left foot re-stuck, figure detached from where he seats and re-stuck, extended firing crack to base, hat probably repainted
"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 Harlequin figure was modelled by Johann Joachim Kändler, together with other individual figures of Harlequin in other poses and with various attributes such as a pug dog as hurdy-gurdy (see lot 120) and a snuffbox (see lot 122), or in a group, with his family, as an indiscreet Harlequin, and so on. As they do not appear in the inventory of the Royal collection or Count von Brühl's, it seems that these figures must have been commissioned by individuals, or perhaps they were simply made on Kändler's own initiative.

Kändler took his inspiration from various engravings, such as those after paintings by Watteau such as "Départ des Comédiens", but also after his personal experience in attending the theatre. The naturalistic way these figures were modelled, Harlequin's grimaces and twisted limbs, expressed the Italian Comedy burlesque which particularly fascinated Kändler, enhanced by his strong colour tones and lozenge and striped patterns of the costume.

Another example of this model was sold by Christie's London, 11 December 2007, lot 131.