Rare KPM Porcelain Plaque of Modona & child after Bartolome Esteban Murillo

Description

A Very Rare KPM Porcelain Plaque of Modona with child, with Saint Elizabeth and Saint John the Baptist, after Bartolome Esteban Murillo (Spain, 1617-1682), Beautifully hand painted by the best artist, reverse with impressed KPM mark and 315/255, paper labels for Ch. H. Schuh, Interlaken, and various pencil inscriptions, in an Original Carved Giltwood frame, plaque size 12 in. H, 10 in. W The rectangular plaque depicts the Virgin seated with the Christ Child on her lap, her gaze directed tenderly toward the young Saint John, who kneels before them holding a reed cross and scroll. Saint Elizabeth, placed behind, looks on with solemn expression. A lamb rests in the foreground beside the figures. Above, God the Father appears surrounded by clouds and cherubs, extending his hands outward with a dove descending at the center, forming the upper register of the composition. The detailed rendering of flesh tones, fabrics, and atmospheric clouds demonstrates the technical quality of the plaque. The size of the plaque, measuring 12 inches in height and 10 inches in width, gives the image strong presence within its frame. The reverse of the porcelain plaque bears the impressed KPM scepter mark along with the numbers 315 and 255, confirming manufacture by the Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur in Berlin. Additional paper labels are attached to the back, including one for Ch. H. Schuh, Interlaken, along with other inscriptions in pencil that refer to numbering and framing details. These marks and labels provide provenance information directly tied to the object’s history of ownership and display. The impressed numbering indicates the production reference used by the manufactory, which is consistent with other authenticated examples of large-format plaques from the same period of manufacture. The plaque is presented in a carved giltwood frame with bold acanthus leaf scrolls arranged in an openwork pattern over a dark velvet backing. The gilding retains traces of its original finish and shows the characteristic patina of age. The structural mount supports the porcelain securely, with the backboard reinforced for hanging. The scale and weight of the plaque required substantial mounting, and the use of a heavily carved and gilded frame emphasizes both the value and importance of the piece. Porcelain plaques of this size and subject were among the most demanding works produced by KPM. Unlike smaller cabinet plaques, large-format religious compositions required both exacting technical control in the firing process and extensive skill in the painting of delicate tonal transitions. The rendering of Murillo’s composition is executed with precision, with close attention to modeling, depth, and detail. The rarity of such plaques lies not only in their size but in their survival with clear marks, provenance labels, and original framing intact. Large religious scenes after Murillo were produced in limited numbers by KPM in the nineteenth century, and this example represents a complete and well-preserved instance of the type. In summary, this very rare KPM porcelain plaque presents a finely detailed rendering of Murillo’s devotional subject of the Madonna and Child with Saint Elizabeth and Saint John the Baptist. Bearing the impressed KPM mark, numbered references, and provenance labels, it remains both a technical and historical example of the manufactory’s most ambitious porcelain paintings. Its survival in a carved and gilded frame further underscores the importance given to such plaques as both devotional and decorative works.

Details

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