Figuur De Herfst, met attribuut druiventros c. 1760 - 1768

This porcelain figurine, ‘Figuur De Herfst, met attribuut druiventros,’ was crafted at the Weesper porseleinfabriek. The piece is made from porcelain, a refined ceramic material prized for its smooth, translucent qualities. To create this figurine, liquid porcelain would have been poured into a mold, capturing the intricate details of the figures and drapery. Once set, it was carefully removed, fired at high temperatures to achieve its characteristic hardness and then glazed. The grapes were individually painted in blue. The whiteness of the porcelain enhances the classical subject, a woman and child symbolizing the autumn harvest. But its creation reflects another kind of harvest, one of labor and skill within the factory. Porcelain production requires a complex division of labor, from the mold makers and casters to the painters and kiln operators. Considering this intricate process reminds us to appreciate the skill and labor involved in its creation. These processes elevate utilitarian craft to the realm of art, highlighting the artistry embedded within industrial production.