Goebel Hummel Figurine: 'Puppy Love' (No. 1)

This is a vintage Goebel porcelain figurine inspired by the artwork of Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel, titled 'Puppy Love'. The piece depicts a young boy lying on his back on a grassy mound, playfully holding up a small, brown scruffy terrier-like dog. The boy wears traditional alpine-style clothing, including shorts and buckled shoes. The color palette is characteristic of mid-20th-century Hummel pieces, featuring muted, hand-painted earth tones with soft graduations of brown, tan, and cream, accented by a subtle green base and tiny orange flowers. The construction is slip-cast earthenware with a matte glaze finish, typical of the W. Goebel Porzellanfabrik factory in Germany. On the edge of the base, the incised signature 'M.I. Hummel' is clearly visible, though the image also shows secondary branding 'BERTA HUMMEL' on the front edge, which may indicate a later reproduction or a specific commemorative series. The condition appears excellent with no visible chips, cracks, or crazing, though a light layer of surface dust is present. The craftsmanship displays high-quality modeling, particularly in the expressive faces of both the boy and the puppy. Based on the style and markings, this piece likely dates from the late 20th century.