THIRD QUARTER 18TH CENTURY

Details

A GEORGE III POLYCHROME-DECORATED TOLE TRAY
THIRD QUARTER 18TH CENTURY
Of oval form, the ends with two carrying handles, depicting Hersilia pleading with her father, Tatius, and husband, Romulus, the foreground inscribed 'HERSILIA'
29¾ in. (75.5 cm.) wide

Special notice

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Lot Essay

This scene, named 'Hersilia', recalls the history of 'Romulus and Hersilia' and Rome's foundation, evoking the spirit of ancient virtue and filial devotion. Courageous Hersilia appeals to her father Tatius, leader of the Sabines, and her husband Romulus, leader of the Romans, to make peace for their children's sake. The story of the appeal of the Sabine women, recounted by Plutarch, was further famed by Aphra Behn's, Epilogue to Romulus and Hersilia, 1683.

This tray's scene is decorated in the manner of Angelica Kauffman's, 'Coriolanus', 1764 inspired by P. Galle's 16th century engraving 'Coriolanus' (W.W. Roworth, Angelica Kauffman, 1992, figs. 16 and 17).

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