Kändler, Johann Joachim

Kändler, Johann Joachim

Harlequin, Meissen hard-paste porcelain figure from the commedia dell'arte modeled by Johann …

(credit: Courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London; photograph, EB Inc.)

(born 1706, Fischbach, Saxony—died May 18, 1775, Meissen) German Baroque sculptor. In 1731 he was engaged to reorganize the modeling department of the porcelain factory at Meissen; he held the position of chief modeler there from 1733 until his death. It was largely through Kändler's genius that Meissen porcelain gained world renown. Among his best-known works are his commedia dell'arte figurines, largely done between 1736 and 1744.