Boy playing the pipe

From the evidence of factory inventories, Mennecy produced groups of musicians in the period 1762–65. A number of examples of pairs or groups of child musicians are known, both coloured and in the white, and probably date from this period. However the present example along with a girl playing the hurdy-gurdy (L2012.132) give the impression of being earlier. The greyish paste, prone to imperfections, the slightly dull palette and the absence of cherubic sweetness in the faces suggest a date perhaps shortly after the move to Mennecy.