CIRCA 1740-45, BLUE CROSSED SWORDS MARK AND PRESSNUMMER 45 TWICE

This group is mentioned in Kändler's Taxa where he describes the scene in detail. The group portrays a high ranking lady, dressed as a shepherdess, courted by a youth who is below her in rank and wealth (indicated by his out-turned empty pocket). Cupid restrains and beats the youth as unworthy of the match and Harlequin stands behind them all, mocking the suitor and gesticulating with his fingers.

An example of this model is in The Gardiner Museum, Toronto (museum number G83.1.911). See also Ulrich Pietsch et al., Triumph of the Blue Swords, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen, Exhibition Catalogue, Dresden 2010, pp. 317-318, no. 351.