Small porcelain dish on a foot with a portrait — Historicism style (7101)

Dimensions: Height: 8.5 cm Width: 16 cm

Small porcelain dish on a foot with a portrait — Historicism style

This elegantly crafted, small porcelain dish on a delicate base is a true testament to the craftsmanship and aesthetics of past masters. Representing the exquisite Historicism style, it combines motifs inspired by the ancient world with the romanticized beauty of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The interior of the dish is adorned with a masterfully painted, serene portrait of a young woman in a classical gown, holding a musical score or a letter, which lends the item an intimate and narrative character.

The deep, rich purple or fuchsia hue along the rim of the dish forms a majestic frame that beautifully contrasts with the generous, embossed gilding and delicate floral garlands. The expressive, leaf-shaped gilded handles add extra dimension and luxury to the piece.

Period of Manufacture This item was crafted in the early 20th century, reflecting the golden age of European porcelain production, when particular attention was paid to precision in detail and painterly quality.

Manufacturer and Mark The base of the dish bears a green mark with a shield motif and the inscription “SCHWARZBURG”, indicating the porcelain painting traditions of y (Thuringia region). Works from this manufactory often stood out for their high-quality Viennese-style portraits and rich decoration.

Rarity and Significance Dishes with portraits of similar quality and fine painting are highly valued by collectors. They not only demonstrate exceptional brush technique in miniature painting but also preserve a historical aura, serving as a luxurious accent in a discerning collection.

Application Although it may have originally served as a delicate dish for candies, business cards, or small trinkets in a lady’s boudoir, today it is an exceptional interior design element. It will fit perfectly on an antique dresser, console, or in a glass display cabinet, attracting attention with its play of colors.

Condition The item is preserved in very good condition, considering its age. The gilding is still vibrant, and the painting has not lost its clarity. Minor traces left by time on the underside of the base only confirm its authenticity. The condition of the item is fully reflected in the photographs.

Behind the Scenes at the Vienna Opera, Pauline Lucca: The yellowish light of the gas lamp slowly glides over the heavy velvet curtains, while the tuning of the orchestra strings can already be heard at the end of the corridor. The air is filled with the aroma of powder, geraniums, and the smoke of recently extinguished candles. The famous opera singer, dressed in a heavy, richly embroidered stage costume, sits at her dressing table, trying to calm the usual pre-performance jitters before another triumphant appearance.

Her fingers lightly glide over the cool, finely painted surface next to the mirror, feeling the contrast between the roughness of the gold relief and the smoothness of the enamel. This small, graceful object, holding a few jewels and hairpins, momentarily catches her eye with its picturesque portrait. It is a quiet, frozen testament to beauty, offering a refuge and an illusion of peace in the moment before the heavy curtain rises and she belongs entirely to the audience once more.