CIRCA 1750

Details

A PAIR OF FAMILLE ROSE 'EUROPEAN-SUBJECT' PLATES
Circa 1750
Each enamelled at the centre with two scantily-clad lovers seated below a pine tree and a flowering tree beside two birds, one perched on a tree trunk, the grisaille cell-pattern border reserved with four puce riverscape cartouches alternating with a gilt flower-head
9 in. (23 cm.) diam. (2)

Provenance

Anonymous sale; Christie's, Amsterdam, 10 October 1989, lot 158 (to Dreesmann).
Dr Anton C.R. Dreesmann (inventory no. J-8).

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

The figures once thought to represent Cupid and Psyche, are now believed to be taken from a scene depicting Galatea and the shepherd Acis. The Chinese artist has omitted the figure of Polyphemus, who stands to their side. He is in love with Galatea and is about to kill Acis with a rock. The whole scene can be found on 18th century tapestries, although the original print source is unknown. Compare the very similar plate in the Royal Museums of Art and History, Brussels, exhibited Hong Kong 1989-90, Chinese Export Porcelain, catalogue no.85, pp.217-8. Another is illustrated by D. S. Lunsingh Scheurleer, Chinese Export Porcelain - Chine de Commande, London, 1974, no.231. A single plate was sold Christie's, London, 19 June 2001, lot 392.

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