CIRCA 1725-40

Details

A rare Dutch-Decorated 'George II' saucer dish
Circa 1725-40
Enamelled with a mounted monarch wearing a tricorn hat and a three-quarter length blue and iron-red coat, a yellow sash around his chest, a sword held in his right hand, his horse rearing next to a dead soldier, the base inscribed 'Georg. II.' in black enamels over the glaze, base crack, small rim crack
22 cm. diam.

Special notice

Christie’s charges a premium to the buyer on the Hammer Price of each lot sold at the following rates: 29.75% of the Hammer Price of each lot up to and including €5,000, plus 23.8% of the Hammer Price between €5,001 and €400,000, plus 14.28% of any amount in excess of €400,001. Buyer’s premium is calculated on the basis of each lot individually.

Lot Essay

During the War of the Austrian Succession, fought in 1740-48, alliances across Europe formed, fighting for or against Austria. Several events of this war were commemorated on Chinese porcelain decorated in Holland. One of them was Prince William of Orange's appointment as Stadtholder of the United Provinces; another was the battle of Dettingen, where George II led his troops, who fought together with Austria against France, into battle. Yet another subject is the battle by Charles Alexandre, Archduke of Austria and Governor of Holland, who fought on the side of the Dutch during the War of the Austrian Succession. His equestrian portrait is very similar to the one of George II in this example. For further explanation see Helen Espir, European Decoration on Oriental Porcelain 1700-1830, London, 2005, pp. 170-171. Here the author also explains that an equestrian portait of George II at Dettingen by T. Burford is probably the source for the portrait of George II on this dish.
See also F. and N. Hervouët and Y. Bruneau, La Porcelaine des Compagnies des Indes a Décor Occidental, Paris, 1986, p. 390. ill. 16.8.

More from Asian Art

View All