Fragile Ties: Spanish Themes in Soviet Porcelain

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the so-called Spanish theme in Soviet porcelain. The author analyzes the reflection of the stereotypical perception of Spain in small porcelain sculptures of the Soviet period produced by a variety of manufactures. Among the components of the Spanish theme the author highlights the images of flamenco (Spanish dance), bullfighting, most recognizable heroes of Cervantes such as Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, and fiery Carmen who was created by Prosper Mérimée and has become the stereotypical Spanish woman of the 19th century in the popular imagination thanks to the similarly named music and dance pieces. These traditional components of the perception of Spain in the 20th century were supplemented by the interpretation in propaganda porcelain of the turning point in the Spanish history — the civil war of 1936-1939. The article proposes another perspective on the Spanish theme in Soviet porcelain and considers the formation of the images of Spaniards, men and women. Such images are reflected in all the plots presented herein. Most of the sculptural works by different generations of Soviet porcelain masters are devoted to dance. The author concludes that dance scenes, including the ones that refer to Carmen are fundamental for the Spanish theme in Soviet porcelain.