Cupid With Mask, Cocking a Snook

This extraordinary Meissen porcelain figure depicts Amor, the god of love, in an ironic yet deeply meaningful scene: in one hand, he holds a removed mask; with the other, he makes a mischievous gesture. The portrayal plays with themes of deception, disguise, and trickery-an allegorical interpretation of love as a game between appearance and reality. Here, Amor is not just the messenger of love, but also a revealing observer of human relationships.

The design is by Heinrich Schwabe, one of the leading artists at the Meissen manufactory in the late 19th century. Schwabe was known for his unique ability to merge mythological themes with contemporary humor and psychological depth. In this piece, his keen sense for symbolism and his gift for portraying human flaws with elegance and ease are particularly evident.

Putti-childlike figures of Amor-have been central motifs in Meissen porcelain art since the 18th century. They often embodied not only love and affection, but also its darker sides-such as jealousy, deception, or longing. This figure continues that tradition, giving it a modern twist through its playful irony.

The porcelain figure "Amor with a Mask" was traditionally handcrafted and meticulously hand-painted. Every detail-from expression and gesture to the fine modeling of the mask-was executed with the highest level of precision. At the Meissen manufactory, Bossierer (assemblers) carefully construct such complex figures from numerous individually cast parts and refine them using specialized tools. The result is a work of art that unites technical mastery with interpretive depth.