A Very Large and Unusual 19th Century KPM Porcelain Plaque by Carl Meinhelt

Description

A Very Large and Unusual 19th Century KPM Porcelain Plaque by Carl Meinhelt. This plaque was produced by the Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM) in Berlin and is signed by the artist Carl Meinelt in the lower right corner. The reverse bears the impressed KPM scepter mark along with model and size numbers. Carl Meinelt was an accomplished painter known for his work on porcelain, particularly large-format plaques featuring historical or genre scenes. The plaque’s size and level of execution suggest it was likely a special commission or gallery piece, intended for display in a prominent setting. The plaque presents a multi-figure historical scene rendered in polychrome enamel on porcelain, capturing a dramatic narrative moment involving a dying armored figure surrounded by soldiers, monks, and statesmen. The figures are arranged across a horizontal composition with clear spatial depth, against a landscape with architectural domes in the background. The central figure in full armor is held by companions in richly colored garments, while others observe solemnly. Textural contrasts are evident in the detailed rendering of metallic armor, velvet cloaks, and folded fabrics. The plaque is housed in a carved and gilded wood frame with molded floral bands. KPM Berlin was renowned in the 19th century for its high-quality porcelain plaques, especially those based on Renaissance and Romantic themes. The factory employed skilled artists like Meinelt to execute hand-painted scenes with precision and depth. These plaques were fired multiple times to fix the layered enamel colors and preserve their clarity. The subject matter, complexity, and scale of this plaque are consistent with the most ambitious works from KPM’s production during this period, reflecting both the technical capabilities of the factory and the artist’s focus on narrative detail. Germany, Circa: 1870 Overall size including The Giltwood Frame: 27.5" high 31.5" wide 3" deep Porcelain Plaque Size: 17" high 21.5" wide

Details

Dimensions