Marital discord (one of a pair)
Medium
Hard-paste porcelain
Dimensions
Height: 7 3/4 in. (19.7 cm)
Classification
Ceramics-Porcelain
Culture
German, Frankenthal
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Irwin Untermyer, 1973
Accession Number
1974.28.133
Rights
Public Domain
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delightful hard-paste porcelain figurine *Marital Discord (one of a pair)*, around 1766 by modeler Karl Gottlieb von L at the renowned Frankenthal Porcelain Manactory during the Karl Theodor period, a lively domestic spat between a husband and wife. Standing just 7 3/4 inches tall, it exemplifies the German Rococo style's flair for whimsical, colorful genre scenes drawn from everyday life, often infused with gentle satire. Frankenthal, under Elector Karl Theodor's patronage, rivaled Meissen as Europe's premier porcelain center, mastering hard-paste porcelain—a durable, translucent material invented in Europe to challenge Chinese imports. Lück's intricate modeling brings dynamic tension to the figures: expressive gestures, ruffled clothing, and vibrant enamel colors highlight the emotional drama, making it a prized conversation piece for 18th-century aristocratic interiors. As part of a matching pair (likely contrasting harmony and strife), this piece reflects Enlightenment-era fascination with human relationships, blending technical virtuosity with relatable humor. Now in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts collection, it invites visitors to chuckle at timeless marital woes preserved in fragile luxury.
About the Artist
Karl Gottlieb von Lück|Frankenthal Porcelain Manufactory|Karl Theodor period (German|German) · 1730 | –1775 |
German, 1730–1775|German