Franz Anton Bustelli

Franz Anton Bustelli (1723-1763) was a Swiss-born porcelain modeler widely regarded as the finest artist to work in the Rococo porcelain tradition. Born in Locarno in Italian-speaking Switzerland, he trained as a sculptor (likely in wood) in Italy before joining the Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory near Munich in 1754. He was quickly promoted to Modellmeister (head modeler).

In just nine years before his death at 40, Bustelli created around 150 new models for Nymphenburg. His sixteen commedia dell'arte characters are considered his greatest achievement, justifying his reputation as one of the finest porcelain modelers of the 18th century. His figures are designed to be viewed from all angles, with unusually thin bases and scroll-work that flows into the forms. Nymphenburg still produces Bustelli designs today. Our collection includes 3 works at the Met and the Art Institute of Chicago.