Meissen Porcelain Figurine – Cries of London, “The Dandy”

Meissen porcelain figurine with polychrome decoration depicting a Dandy from the “Cries of London” series, after an engraving by Laroon representing the Squire of Alsatia, the supreme leader or godfather of thieves.

He lived in the Whitefriars district of London, near Fleet Street, an area that retained certain privileges as a former sanctuary until 1697. He was feared by his debtors and lived outside the law.

Model by J. J. Kändler and Peter Reinicke.

Germany, Meissen, Saxony, circa 1754.

Height: 14.4 cm.

Condition: Cane and hands restored.

Reference: Martin Eberle, Guide Paris, Meissener Porzellanfiguren des 18. Jahrhunderts, no. 12, pp. 52–53. Exhibition catalogue, Leipzig, 2001.