Commedia dell'Arte figurine

This 19th century porcelain figurine of a dancing couple may represent Harlequin and Columbine, the popular lovers from the Italian Commedia dell'Arte. It could have been copied from a print of dancers in the roles since the female figure is wearing a skirt of the type known as a 'ballet-length skirt' as it allowed for more freedom of movement than the floor-length skirts worn by ladies at the time.

Porcelain figurines became very popular during the 18th century, especially those representing theatrical subjects. Because of its fragile nature, porcelain was an ideal material for small, delicate sculptures such as this. The Rococo style, characterised by the shape and swirling lines on the base of this figurine, also suited ornately decorated figurines such as this.