Description
Fine Berlin KPM plaque circa 1870. The plaque of convex form painted with a portrait of The Death of Cleopatra. Cleopatra is painted with flaxen hair gathered beneath a turban wearing draped loose robes gazing into heaven bearing an asp to her breast. The plaque mounted within an oval gilt wood frame with blossoming scrolling vines with draped fruits surrounding a velvet boarder to the porcelain. The rear of the plaque with mounted glass inspection panel showing the incised sceptre KPM mark.
Notes | Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Berlin, KPM (The Royal Porcelain Factory) in Berlin was founded in 1763 Frederick the Great (King Frederick II). Its actual origins, however, lie in three private enterprises which, under crown patronage, were trying to establish the production of “white gold” (porcelain) in Berlin from the mid-18th century onwards.The company logo is a sceptre, which is stamped (painted prior to 1837) or incised on every piece. All painted pieces produced by KPM are also signed by the painter. KPM is still producing porcelain today.
Asp – a small southern European viper with an upturned snout
Measurements | Frame overall measures 36.5cm High x 31.5cm Wide, Plaque 17.5cm High x 13cm Wide
Condition | Very Good – Excellent, very minor surface scratch to the plaque otherwise fantastic condition.
