African Court Jester

Description This statuette is wonderful for the expressiveness of the modeling and the figure's powerful physique, so clearly influenced by Michelangelo's monumental marbles, "Bound Captives." It is a striking example of how a great artist can bring emotions to life, and a rare example of this quality applied to a servant. Mochi has created an astonishingly empathetic representation of a powerfully-built black African male who serves as a court entertainer (identified by his hooded tunic and fringed over-garment), perhaps as a boxer or wrestler. His hand to the head and anguished facial expression may well be intended to convey his struggles with his fate.

Provenance Abbot Guggenheim Collection, New York [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Sale, Sotheby's, New York, January 27, 2011, lot 450; Walters Art Museum, January 27, 2011, by purchase.

Credit Museum purchase, Renaissance & Baroque Fund, a generous grant, and individual donations through the Banner, Lewis, Tanner Circle, 2011