Gardener's companion (one of a pair) 1745 - 1757

Editor: Here we have "Gardener's Companion," one of a pair, crafted by the Höchst Manufactory between 1745 and 1757. They're porcelain sculptures. They have a simple and delicate look. What do you make of them? Curator: These figurines offer a glimpse into the Rococo fascination with pastoral life. Notice how the figures, despite their humble garb, possess a certain idealized elegance. This speaks to the potent symbolism of the garden as a site of pleasure and social status. The miniature details reinforce the artificiality – a courtly dream of nature. Editor: That's interesting. It seems like they are representing more than just ordinary gardeners. Curator: Precisely. The vine, for instance, often symbolizes abundance, fertility, and even Bacchus, the god of wine. Do you think the figures might represent an allegorical couple connected to the idea of earthly delights? Editor: Maybe, because it’s all very idealized. They almost seem to be performing a role. Curator: Yes. Think about the social rituals connected to gardens in the 18th century. These figurines acted as reminders or perhaps aspirations to these cultivated social interactions. The porcelain itself also spoke to wealth and taste. What feelings or memories might they trigger for someone in that era, do you imagine? Editor: It's almost like a tiny stage for playing out fantasies of nature and social harmony. I see what you mean. Thanks! Curator: And for us today, they connect us to those historical desires, showing us what symbols were once powerful and resonant. A lot to take in for a tiny piece!