Two children in Turkish costume 1765 - 1775

Editor: Here we have "Two Children in Turkish Costume," a porcelain sculpture from the Höchst Manufactory, made between 1765 and 1775. I'm struck by how these miniature figures are staged. It's so interesting to consider the representation of the “exotic” during that era. What story do you think this sculpture is trying to tell us? Curator: It’s a great observation about the staging. These figurines reflect the 18th-century European fascination with the Ottoman Empire, part of a broader trend called "Turquerie." The Rococo period was steeped in social display. Porcelain, like this, was collected and displayed to project refinement. Who *was* consuming and circulating these images and why? Editor: So, it wasn’t just aesthetic. Displaying these figurines communicated something about the collector, like an understanding or an appreciation of Turkish culture, or a sign of cosmopolitanism, maybe? Curator: Exactly. It was less about genuine understanding and more about constructing a persona. The figures, placed within drawing rooms and cabinets, served as conversation starters and symbols of wealth and worldliness. How do you see this kind of representation influencing modern views on cultural exchange? Editor: It feels like the gaze is still primarily a Western one. We still consume art from other cultures often without deep engagement or critical reflection on the power dynamics involved. This piece kind of foreshadows that continued issue. Curator: Precisely! And appreciating that connection from the 18th century until now requires critical work. Hopefully, thinking about art in terms of historical and contemporary social power helps give you language to analyze images across the board. Editor: Definitely, looking at "Two Children in Turkish Costume" in this light, not just as a charming tableau but as a social object, has given me a much richer perspective. Thank you. Curator: My pleasure! It's all about interrogating those power dynamics embedded in the imagery, no matter how delicate the porcelain.