Cupid Cocking a snook

This unusual and whimsical Meissen porcelain figure depicts Amor, the god of love, in a mischievous pose: twisting a long nose with both hands-a humorous gesture that references the German saying "jemandem eine lange Nase machen" ("to thumb one's nose at someone"). The scene is a playful allegory for mischief, teasing, or gentle trickery-and for the flirtatious nature of love, which often dances between seduction, mischief, and minor deceptions.

The design of this figure is likely attributed to Heinrich Schwabe, one of the most imaginative artists at the Meissen porcelain manufactory in the late 19th century. Schwabe was known for infusing classical motifs with contemporary flair, irony, and psychological depth. "Amor Twisting a Long Nose" is a prime example of his talent for reinterpreting familiar symbols into surprisingly entertaining visual narratives.

Like many other putti in Meissen porcelain art, this figure is handcrafted from the finest porcelain and elaborately hand-painted in vibrant colors with gilded accents. The attention to detail-from Amor's expressive face to the gracefully modeled folds-gives the miniature sculpture a vivid and lifelike presence. At the Meissen manufactory, such figures are carefully assembled by skilled Bossierer from numerous individual porcelain components and then finely modeled using specialized tools. The result is a handcrafted miniature that unites wit, precision, and artistic sophistication.