AVAILABLE

19th Century German Porcelain Plaque in Original Gilt Frame KPM

A finely executed hand-painted porcelain plaque depicting The Penitent Magdalene, produced in Berlin in the third quarter of the 19th century by the Royal Porcelain Factory, Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Berlin (KPM). The scene portrays Mary Magdalene in contemplative solitude within a rocky wilderness landscape, shown barefoot beside a devotional book and a skull — traditional symbols of repentance, mortality, and spiritual reflection. The painter employs the characteristic Berlin technique of layered enamel painting fired directly into the porcelain body, producing exceptional luminosity and the distinctive soft modeling associated with KPM plaques. The flesh tones and atmospheric background show the subtle tonal gradations and near-photographic finish that made these plaques the most desirable luxury wall objects of the Victorian period. The plaque is impressed verso “K 308”, a kiln/catalogue firing number applied before glazing. The factory mark is typically concealed beneath the original mounting pad, as was common practice when plaques were retailed framed in the 19th century. Presented in its period gilt Biedermeier frame, likely original to the plaque’s early retail sale. The frame retains its historic surface and complements the academic devotional subject. During the mid-19th century, KPM porcelain plaques were considered the highest quality reproductions of important paintings like Pompeo Girolamo Batoni and available to collectors prior to photography, and were sold throughout Europe, England, and the United States as luxury decorative art.

Frame: 15.5 in H × 12.5 in W Plaque: approximately 10 in H × 7 in W

$4,500

Designer / maker

KPM Porcelain

Manufacturer

Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM)

Date

late 1800's

Period

Late 19th Century

Country

Germany

Materials

Giltwood, Porcelain, Wood

Dimensions

Height: 12.5 in (31.75 cm), Width: 15.5 in (39.37 cm), Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)

Condition

Good

Quantity

1