Fröhlich Meissen figure, estimate €24,000 at Metz in Heidelberg on October 24.
Fröhlich was the subject of several Meissen figures. The first of these was a life-sized bust by Johann Gottlieb Kirchner with Johann Joachim Kaendler reworking a model several times.
The known figures, which are painted in a variety of different colour combinations, date from 1733 to 1758 (the year often appearing on Fröhlich’s braces).
On October 24, Metz in Heidelberg is holding an extensive porcelain auction, including this 9in (23cm) high version from 1742, estimated at €24,000. Five years after this figure was made, the jester had the honour of being painted by Bernardo Bellotto.
