Antique Porcelain Plate, Beyer And Bock, Volkstedt - Rudolstadt, C.1905.

This antique and rare hand-painted plate, produced by Beyer & Bock at the Volkstedt-Rudolstadt porcelain factory, exemplifies the high-quality craftsmanship typical of early 20th-century German porcelain. The plate is richly decorated with gold ornaments on a purple background, reflecting the high standards of production. At its center is a scene by Swiss-Austrian artist Angelica Kauffman (1741–1807), known for her neoclassical paintings. The scene, featuring two women and a child, may symbolize an allegory of motherhood or family harmony, a recurring theme in Kauffman’s work. She was a prominent 18th-century European artist, recognized for her contributions to neoclassicism, particularly in the fields of portraiture and historical painting. She was a rarity in her profession, achieving widespread fame at a time when few women were celebrated in the arts. Notably, she was a member of four Italian art academies and one of only two female founders of the Royal Academy of Arts in London in 1768. She was even commissioned to paint portraits of members of the British Royal Family. Kauffman designed small-scale neoclassical scenes and painted portraits, historical subjects, and classical themes. These designs were frequently reproduced on decorative objects such as vases, dressing table sets, and plates throughout Europe. Nearly all European porcelain factories, at one time or another, used her work as inspiration for their products.
The bottom of the plate features two marks: Beyer & Bock's impressed heraldic crown and the factory stamp, both typical of the company's work. Beyer & Bock was a renowned porcelain manufacturer based in Volkstedt-Rudolstadt, Thuringia, Germany, and operated during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Founded in the late 19th century, the company specialized in high-quality decorative porcelain with a focus on intricate artistry and craftsmanship. The Volkstedt-Rudolstadt factory, established in 1890, was part of a rich porcelain-making tradition. By 1903, it employed 230 workers and produced a wide range of porcelain items, including cabinet plates, figurines, and vases, all hand-painted by skilled artisans. Beyer & Bock's products were highly valued for their craftsmanship and were exported to various countries, including Scandinavia, Holland, Italy, England, and both North and South America, where they became prized collectibles. The factory continued producing high-quality porcelain until 1960, when it was nationalized. Beyer & Bock porcelain is revered not only for its artistic merit but also for its technical excellence. Their pieces often featured popular themes of the time, such as neoclassical scenes, romantic landscapes, and mythological figures. The intricate hand-painted designs, frequently embellished with gold accents and detailed borders, make these pieces highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts alike.
Dimensions: 16, 4 cm diameter, 6, 3 cm height, weight 368 grams.
Condition: excellent condition only on the edge is a little worn gilding. On the legs gilding rubbed and around the perimeter of the bottom liming in a circle - enamel came off from age.
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