Zhanna Polansky

“GRANY” FOUNDATION PRESENTS

Zhanna Polansky
The "Ballets Russes" in lacework porcelain from the Thuringia factories

#2 2019 (63)

From the first factory production of porcelain figurines in Europe, ballet has been a favourite motif: porcelain is a perfect vehicle for conveying the dynamism, brightness of colour, and elaborateness of pose and gesture that is characteristic of the art form. Towards the end of the 19th century certain standard images of the ballerina began to develop, complete with indispensable attributes such as formal stage costume, the puffy tutu and pointe slippers. Its imagery became popular and continues to be drawn on by porcelain makers to this day.