Girl playing the hurdy-gurdy

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 boy playing the pipe (L2012.131) 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.