143. A Nymphenburg white figure of Donna Martina, circa 1760 Modelled by F.A. Bustelli, wearing a fur-lined cape over her laced chemise, holding up her skirt with her right hand, a bottle in a wicker basket in her left hand, her hair pinned up in a plait, the tip of her toe pointing out from under the elaborate skirt, standing on a flat rococo scrollwork base, 19.5cm high, impressed shield mark to the front of the base, (restored) Provenance European Private collection since the 1980s The Nymphenburg Commedia dell'Arte is formed of 16 figures, eight male, eight female, that represent the height of sculptural artistry of Franz Anton Bustelli. He is thought to have created the series in 1759-60, because the figures are listed in the Formenverzeichnis or model books of the manufactory for the first time in 1760, listed there as "16 Stukh Pantomin Figuren" (quoted by K. Hantschmann and A. Ziffer, Franz Anton Bustelli, 2004, p. 254). In the printed Preiscourant or sales-pamphlet of the factory from 1767, the figures are listed individually and by name. The figures were designed as pairs, Donna Martina together with the Dottore. In the traditional theatre of the Commedia dell'Arte, the Dottore and Donna Martina are the parents of Capitano Spavento, though both appear too young. Another white figure of Donna Martina from the collection of Patricia Hart was sold in Christie's London, 5 July 2012, lot 23. It was also published in the catalogue of Mrs Hart's collection: Birte Abraham, Commedia dell'Arte, The Patricia & Rodes Hart Collection of European Porcelain and Faience, 2010, pp. 142-143.