Figure of a parrot

Dateca. 1750-60

Label TextWith his forward-thrusting head, beady eyes, and raspy tongue (remarkably still intact), this figure evokes the wild. An exotic subject, the parrot on its foliated tree-stump base reflects a favorite bird theme and energetic rococo modeling. The form is that of an Amazon parrot, but while the rendering of the body shape and feathering patterns is true to life, the color is invented. Rather than the Amazon coloring of overall green, with accents of yellow and blue, or lilac and red, the artist chose the distinctive green, purple, and magenta palette of the Mennecy factory. This figure could be male or female; parrots are one of the few species in which both sexes share colorful plumage. This model, one of only three known, is a rare addition to the porcelain menagerie of the Seattle Art Museum.

Object number98.33

Photo CreditPhoto: Paul Macapia

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, "Porcelain Stories: From China to Europe", February 17, 2000-May 7, 2000 (2/17/2000 - 5/7/2000)Published ReferencesDawson, Aileen. "The Development of Repertoire in Mennecy Porcelain Sculpture, circa 1738-65," in the Metropolitan Museum Journal, Vol. 32 (2202), p. 199=211. Emerson, Julie, Jennifer Chen, & Mimi Gardner Gates, "Porcelain Stories, From China to Europe", Seattle Art Museum, 2000, pg. 226

Credit LineGuendolen Carkeek Plestcheeff Endowment for the Decorative Arts

Dimensions7 in. (17.9 cm), height

MediumSoft paste porcelain with enameled colors