The technique of pâte-sur-pâte decoration, which Solon mastered, was suited to the depiction of humourous whimsical scenes of nymphs and cherubs and Solon was evidently enchanted by the theme of love, returning to this subject many times during his artistic career. Here, the maiden is casting aside wisdom, as represented by Minerva's owl, as she escapes to follow the desires of her heart. However, the path of love is shown to be precarious. Cf. a similar oval plaque painted with a dancing nymph and Cupid with a violin, decorated by Solon for the retailer, Rousseau, now in the Victoria and Albert Museum reserve collection. See also Bernard Bumpus, Pâte-surPâte, London, 1992, p. 124, pl. 80 for a pair of vases entitled Terrain Miné!, on which Cupids are shown undermining the path on which maidens are walking.

We are grateful to Mr. Bernard Bumpus for his assistance in the preparation of this catalogue entry