Two Freemasons 1739 - 1749

This figurine of *Two Freemasons* was made at the Meissen Manufactory, and we don't know exactly when. It is made of porcelain, which is interesting because it's a notoriously difficult material to work with. In the eighteenth century, Meissen was at the forefront of porcelain production in Europe. The intense heat required to fire porcelain meant that factories had to be very carefully managed. There was also the matter of labor: each of these figures would have been assembled from many separately cast parts, with details added by skilled modelers and painters. The material itself greatly influences the appearance of the artwork. Porcelain's smooth, glossy surface lends itself well to depicting the fine details of clothing, faces, and accessories. The use of porcelain in this piece is significant because it elevates what might have been a simple genre scene into a display of luxury and refinement. The incredible amount of work involved in the production process underscores the value placed on craftsmanship during this period. By considering the materials, making, and context of this artwork, we gain a richer understanding of its cultural significance, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.