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The Daily New, Mar 23, 2009

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Commedia dell' Arte:
Octavio

designer:
Franz Anton Bustelli

design year:
1760

manufacturer:
the Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg, Germany

materials:
painted porcelain

notes:
Commedia dell'Arte is a form of comic theater originating in northern Italy in the mid-16^th century, and remaining popular through the 18^th century. Performances were unscripted, held outside, and used few props. They were also free, being funded by donations to the troupes from the audience. A very specific set of characters were in the plays, played by eight men and two women, and plot lines rested on themes of adultery, jealousy and rage. As early as 1568, this form of improvised theater found its way into the hearts of the nobility of Munich. Images portraying the characters found their way into the castles and halls of the residences of the Bavarian monarchy, including the 'Fools Staircase' in Trausnitz Castle, home of the Wittelsbach family.

In 1760, master sculptor Franz Anton Bustelli portrayed the Commedia dell'Arte characters in porcelain and created the most life-like figures so full of movement in their postures that they remain even today unsurpassed in their expressiveness. The figures are composed in pairs interacting with each other and playing out the traditional Italian comedic themes; within the details of their expressions and poses entire stories can be seen.

These figures were hand-cast by today's master modelers using the original moulds, and hand-painted by the world's great porcelain painters at Nymphenburg.

dimensions:
approximately 6" tall

price:
$14,500.00

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