Antique German Silver Figure of Harlequin, 1800s

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An elegant silver sculptural composition depicting a harlequin standing on a barrel and holding a woven basket. The figure is … Read more An elegant silver sculptural composition depicting a harlequin standing on a barrel and holding a woven basket. The figure is conceived in the spirit of the theatrical commedia dell’arte, combining lively genre character with the decorative inventiveness of late Historicism. The character is dressed in a typical stage costume with relief buttons and a pointed cap. The surface of the costume is enriched with cabochon inserts of turquoise and colored glass, creating a vivid decorative effect and emphasizing the stylization after Renaissance and Neo-Renaissance models. The sculpture is distinguished by expressive facial features, confident modeling of drapery, and refined detailing. The base is designed as a barrel with an imitation of wooden staves and metal hoops, enhancing the theatrical and narrative quality of the composition. Such works are characteristic of Hanau silver workshops of the second half of the 19th century, which gained international recognition for their virtuoso reproductions and free historical interpretations of Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo forms. In Hanau, a distinct school of decorative silver developed, combining technical mastery, artistic imagination, and a collector-driven interest in historical styles. Hallmarks: Maker’s mark “G.R.” under a crown - Georg Roth & Co., Hanau; additional stylized maker’s mark; assay marks in the tradition of Hanau workshops. The mark of Georg Roth is associated with Hanau silver production of the late 19th - early 20th century, with the мастер working within the local tradition of producing objects in historical styles. Dimensions: Height 21 cm. Width 9 cm. Weight: 344 g. Condition: Overall good condition with minor traces of age. See less