A Meissen figure of 'Pierrot' from the Weissenfels series, by Peter Reinicke and J.J Kändler, circa 1744

standing in declamatory pose, wearing a ruffed collar and a divided jacket of red ground motley and playing cards, underglaze blue swords crossed mark (some restoration)

hands and forearms restored, tiny flake to hat
"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."

The model is based on Joullain's engraving "habit de Pierrot". It is registered in Reinicke's records in July 1744 as "1 Pierot von gleicher Größe [7 Zoll hoch], zur Italienischen Comödie, in thon bohsirt" [1 Pierrot of the same size (ie 7 Zoll High) to the Italian Comedy, modelled in clay].

Pierrot was first introduced in a play by Molière, Dom Juan ou le Festin de pierre, performed in 1665 in Paris. The French comedian and author seems to have adopted the Commedia dell'Arte character Pedrolino, a young, innocent and gullible servant but nonetheless comic. For a similar model, see R. Jansen, op. cit., fig. 31.