The Welcome Cupid 1770 - 1775

The Welcome Cupid was made by the Höchster Porzellanmanufaktur GmbH. This porcelain sculpture encapsulates the essence of the 18th-century decorative arts. The soft, luminous quality of the porcelain gives the figures a delicate appearance, enhancing the sentimental theme. The work was likely made by creating a mold, pressing the clay into the mold, and then firing it at extremely high temperatures in a kiln. But don't let the small scale fool you. This was serious business, employing scores of people. Porcelain manufactories were hotbeds of labor, with specialized artisans responsible for each step of the process, and they were very competitive. The final product catered to the tastes of the aristocracy and the rising bourgeoisie, who sought these precious objects to adorn their homes and signal their social status. So, next time you encounter a seemingly innocent porcelain figurine, remember the complex web of making, marketing, and consumption that lies beneath its glossy surface.