A rare Frankenthal figure of Columbine, modelled by J.W. Lanz,1756-1759

standing with hand raised and wearing a black full face mask and broad brimmed hat, a slapstick at her side, in a motley jacket and pale yellow skirt, on a scroll base picked out in puce and gilding, underglaze blue rampant lion mark (some restoration)

hat and raised hand restored.
"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 Frankenthal Commedia dell'Arte series is not well documented, the scope of the series being not recorded. Friedrich Hofmann attributed the Commedia dell'Arte figures to the manufactory's first modeller, Johann Wilhelm Lanz between 1755 and 1761. For a full discussion, see Barabra Beaucamp-Markowsky, "Echoes of Comedia dell'arte at the Frankenthal Porcelain Manufactory", R. Jansen (ed.), pp. 34-36. For similar models, see R. Jansen, op. cit.., fig. 87 and Friedrich Hofmann, Frankenthaler Porcelain, 1911, fig. 56.