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Antique German KPM porcelain panel of Judith with the Head of Holofernes

Creator: Konigliche Porzellan Manufaktur (KPM) - The Holy Bible
Offered by: Mayfair Gallery

Description
The image of Judith with the Head of Holofernes was a powerful source of inspiration for many of great European artists, and was captured superbly in August Riedel's masterpiece, after which this beautiful KPM porcelain plaque has been made. The original painting, currently held as part of the collection of the Neue Pinakothek in Munich, Germany, depicts Judith as a heroic and determined figure, standing with her sword in front of her and the head of Holofernes held, alluringly, behind her.

In the original Biblical story, the heroine Judith beheads the Assyrian general Holofernes, then laying siege to Judith's city of Bethulia, after he attempts to seduce her in his tent. Judith is at once hero and 'femme fatale', an ambivalent position which perhaps lies behind the fascination with her by European artists.

In Riedel's painting, and this plaque, Judith's role is decidedly ambiguous: she cuts a serene, and yet decidedly alluring figure. This plaque, by the esteemed German KPM factory, is an extraordinarily sensitive rendering of this fine painting, with a careful attention to both colour and detail.

The reverse side of the plaque is impressed with the sceptre mark for KPM, and there is a signature to the bottom right of the plaque, most probably belonging to the porcelain copyist at KPM. The plaque is set within a giltwood frame with a red velvet interior.

The plaque is a fine work of art, and is a beautiful example of the quality of KPM's output in the 19th Century. The size of the plaque and the frame are given below:

Frame: height 87cm, width 71.5cm, depth 8cm
Plaque: height 58cm, width 42cm

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Origin:	Germany
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	porcelain, giltwood, painted porcelain
Condition:	Good.
Creation Date:	Late 19th Century
Styles / Movements:	Old Master, Western
Dealer Reference #:	15448
Incollect Reference #:	345107

Dimensions

W.	28.15 in;	H.	34.25 in;	D.	3.15 in;
W.	71.5 cm;	H.	87 cm;	D.	8 cm;

Message from Seller:

Mayfair Gallery is a leading gallery in the field of art and antiques, holding a large collection of unique pieces for sale. The breadth of the gallery’s collection is wide, and includes items from a range of periods, styles and geographical origins, as well as works by famous artists and craftsmen. The main focus of the gallery’s collection is, however, on items produced during the 19th and early 20th century.