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Antique Viennese painted enamel plate by Ludwig Politzer

Creator: Ludwig Politzer
Offered by: Mayfair Gallery

Description
Antique Viennese painted enamel plate by Ludwig Politzer
Viennese, Late 19th Century
Height 3cm, width 30cm, depth 20.5cm

This exceptional Viennese enamel tray was crafted by Ludwig Politzer (1841-1907), one of the most important enamel artists of the late 19th century. Renowned for his masterful work in the Renaissance Revival style, Politzer's pieces, such as this tray, exemplify the artistic and technical skill that made his work so popular at World Fairs and within Imperial collections.

The tray features a central octagonal panel, surrounded by eight alternating shallow panels, each delicately painted with scenes from classical mythology. The vibrant palette of pinks, blues, purples, and yellows unites the imagery across all nine panels. French inscriptions on the underside of the tray reveal the titles of each mythological vignette, highlighting the Neoclassical themes popular during the time. The reverse of the tray is decorated with intricate floral sprays, scrolling motifs, and objects such as swords, vases, and lyres, all set on a pastel pink background.

Each panel is framed with engraved ormolu borders featuring a refined intertwining design, while the corners are adorned with enamel masks of cherubic faces, painted with red and blue wings. The tray’s two shorter sides are fitted with twin scrolling handles that echo the same colour scheme.

The bronze frame of the tray is stamped multiple times with the initials "LP," confirming its origin as a work by Ludwig Politzer. Politzer’s contributions to the Renaissance Revival style—also known as Historismus—are well-regarded, and his pieces are housed in prestigious institutions such as the Victoria & Albert Museum. This tray, with its elaborate painted scenes and ormolu decoration, is a rare and striking example of Politzer’s artistic legacy.

Artist/Maker: Ludwig Politzer

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Origin:	Austria
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Enamel, Ormolu (Gilt Bronze).
Creation Date:	Late 19th Century
Styles / Movements:	Traditional
Dealer Reference #:	17859
Incollect Reference #:	762691

Dimensions

W.	11.81 in;	H.	1.18 in;	D.	8.07 in;
W.	30 cm;	H.	3 cm;	D.	20.5 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.