Pair of partridges 1745 - 1757

Editor: Here we have a porcelain sculpture from the Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory, called "Pair of Partridges", made between 1745 and 1757. They look very...perched, and alert. I'm curious, what details or aspects jump out to you when you first look at this piece? Curator: Oh, immediately, it’s that Rococo exuberance, isn't it? Like a flamboyant whisper from a powdered wig. The way they've captured the texture of feathers in porcelain – it's almost perverse! Think of someone in the 18th century needing *that* level of delicate beauty just to grace a table. Do you get a sense of the artist revelling in showing off their technical virtuosity? Editor: I see that now! It's like they're saying "Look what I can do!" Do you think that the somewhat... stiff pose of the birds contradicts this idea of virtuosity? Curator: Perhaps, or maybe it heightens it! A little stiffness is a very English virtue, right? I see these not so much as scientifically accurate depictions, but as exquisite, precious toys for aristocratic pleasure. Were they meant to fool the eye into thinking they were real? Unlikely! More likely, to simply *delight* the eye. Tell me, what's the story *you* invent when you gaze upon them? Editor: Hmmm… maybe they are guarding something precious. I never thought about that until now. Curator: Precisely! The wonderful thing about art is its ability to reflect a different narrative each time. The piece, really, holds up a mirror to *us.* Editor: That is such a great insight, it encourages me to come up with my own perspectives, as opposed to simply reading about what the “correct” view should be. Curator: Absolutely, that is the ultimate point!