Franciscan Nun (one of a pair) 1760 - 1770

This Franciscan Nun, about 5 inches tall, was crafted from porcelain at the Höchst Manufactory in Germany in the late 18th century. The figure reflects the growing popularity of secular, collectible art objects during the Enlightenment. Before this time, religious imagery primarily appeared in churches and served devotional purposes. But with the rise of a prosperous merchant class and the growth of secular institutions, the art market expanded. Porcelain manufactories like Höchst met the demand with affordable, decorative pieces suitable for the home. Note the fine details of the nun's habit and rosary, as well as the delicate facial features. These details speak to the technical skill of the Höchst artisans and the taste for realism among consumers. Was this figure intended as a genuine expression of religious piety, or as a fashionable nod to tradition? Art historians often use archival documents, such as sales records and factory inventories, to shed light on the social and economic context of art production.