Large KPM Porcelain Plaque “Love’s Power”, Beauty w/Lion in Giltwood Frame

Description

German KPM Hand Painted Porcelain Plaque “Love’s Power,” Signed L. M. Smith, in Giltwood Frame The plaque shows an allegorical scene of Cupid (Eros), nude and quiver at his hip, holding an arrow, posed beside and embracing a reclining lion. The subject is the idea of “Love’s Power” (love taming or overcoming brute strength). The porcelain plaque is rectangular in form and presents a hand painted figural scene set against a dark ground. The composition depicts a partially draped youth standing beside a recumbent lion positioned on a stone ledge. The figure holds an arrow in the raised right hand and wears a quiver secured at the waist, with pale blue drapery falling diagonally across the lower body. The lion is shown with forepaws extended and head lowered, its mane articulated through layered brushwork and tonal variation. Flesh areas are smoothly modeled, and the drapery displays controlled transitions between light and shadow. The plaque is mounted within a carved giltwood frame featuring pierced foliate scrollwork, shell motifs at the crest and base, and a molded inner border with repeating bead elements. A small metal title plaque engraved “Love’s Power” and “L. M. Smith”, is affixed to the lower center of the frame. The plaque is marked on the reverse with the KPM factory mark, confirming its manufacture by Königliche Porzellan Manufaktur, Berlin. The porcelain body is evenly fired, with a uniform thickness and a stable, glossy glaze on the front surface. The execution reflects a high level of technical control in both drawing and paint application. Facial features are precisely rendered, and the lion’s anatomy is conveyed through careful modulation of color and texture rather than heavy outlining. Transitions in flesh tones are smooth, and the dark ground is evenly applied without visible streaking. The giltwood frame retains sharp carving and a consistent gilded surface, with minor wear confined to high points, consistent with age and handling. Size: Overall including the Frame: 28.5" x 25" Porcelain Plaque: 16" x 13"

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