LOT 859
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Lot 859
A MASSIVE BERLIN KPM HAND PAINTED PORCELAIN PLAQUE, ST. MARY MAGDALENE, CIRCA 1890. Exquisitely painted, the Magdalene reclining in a rocky landscape, reading scripture from a book propped up by a skull and in the background a jar of ointment. The verso with impressed scepter and KPM mark. The painted plaque measuring 14.3 inches x 20.4 inches (36 x 52 cm) and contained in an ornate gilt frame.
Estimate:
$7,500 - 10,000
€ 5,250 - 7,000
The offered lot is based on the renowned painting by Italian artist Pompeo Batoni (1708-1787). Pompeo Batoni was among the most celebrated Italian painters in his day and his patrons and collectors included royals and aristocrats from all over Europe. His style incorporated elements of the French Rococo, Bolognese, classicism, and nascent Neoclassicism. Painted at the height of his career between the years 1742-1743, when St. Mary Magdalene debuted it was an overwhelming and instant success and was immediately reproduced in print form and thereafter popularly copied in oil. The painting was housed in Dresden Gallery which is only 100 miles south of the Berlin based KPM factory no doubt accounting for its frequent appearance on KPM plaques. Unfortunately, the painting was destroyed in the Second World War during three allied bombing raids of Dresden between February 13 and 14, 1945, only a short 75 days before the war in Europe came to an end (see also lot 597).
All items are sold “AS IS” and there will be no returns based on condition. The items sold are often of considerable age and will exhibit wear, usage and damage often not listed in the catalog entry. The absence of condition remarks in the catalog entry DOES NOT mean the item is in perfect condition. Prospective buyers are in ALL CASES responsible for determining the physical condition of lots. No employee or agent of Jackson's International Auctioneers and Appraisers is authorized to make on our behalf or on that of the consignor any representation or warranty, oral or written, with respect to any property. Therefore, if a prospective bidder has not examined the property to their satisfaction before the sale, or his/her agent has not inspected the property, Jackson's recommends that they not bid on the property. All dimensions are approximate. The condition of frames is not guaranteed.