Girl fleeing from a snake (one of a pair) by Höchster Porzellan-Manufaktur

Girl fleeing from a snake (one of a pair)

Höchster Porzellan-Manufaktur · 1760

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“This small porcelain figure captures a dramatic scene of a woman startled by a snake, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship and theatrical flair popular in 18th-century European decorative arts.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

This porcelain figurine captures a moment of dramatic tension, depicting a young woman recoiling in terror from a snake. Her body twists dynamically, with her arms thrown up and her head turned sharply, conveying a vivid sense of surprise and fear. The delicate modeling of the hard-paste porcelain allows for intricate details in her flowing drapery and the subtle expression on her face. Created around 1760 by the Höchster Porzellan-Manufaktur, this piece reflects the Rococo era's delight in playful, often theatrical, narratives and its appreciation for finely crafted decorative objects. Such figures were popular additions to aristocratic homes, designed to be admired from all angles as part of elaborate table settings or cabinet displays, offering a glimpse into human emotion rendered in miniature.

DETAILS
Artist
Höchster Porzellan-Manufaktur
Date
1760
Medium
Hard-paste porcelain
Location
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Dimensions
Height: 8 1/8 in. (20.6 cm)
Collection
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Culture
German, Höchst
Credit line
Gift of R. Thornton Wilson, in memory of Florence Ellsworth Wilson, 1950
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What to Notice

Five details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

Girl fleeing from a snake (one of a pair)
01

The snake coiling at her feet, barely visible.

02

Her wide-eyed expression of fear and surprise.

03

The intricate folds of her dress, suggesting movement.

04

Her raised arms, adding to the dramatic pose.

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THE ARTIST

Höchster Porzellan-Manufaktur

Germany's second-oldest porcelain maker, crafting delicate wares from 1746 with their iconic wheel trademark.

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