Hunter with Hounds 1755 - 1765

This porcelain sculpture of a hunter with hounds was produced at the Höchst Manufactory in the mid-18th century. The factory was known for the quality of its porcelain and the skill of its modelers, who were often trained as sculptors. Porcelain is a challenging material. First, it is cast in plaster molds. Then it must be skillfully painted, and fired at high temperature. This can cause shrinking and cracking. So, a complex figural group like this one, with its many separate elements, would have been a tour-de-force of ceramic production. The subject matter, too, is telling. Hunting was an aristocratic pursuit, and the patronage of factories like Höchst depended on sales to wealthy elites. This sculpture, therefore, is more than just a charming scene, it's a testament to the power of skilled labor, and its role in serving the dominant class. It collapses any assumed hierarchy between art, craft, and industry.