Pair Vienna Mythological Porcelain Plates in Pierced Gilt-Bronze Roman Frames

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Pair of Signed Vienna Mythological Porcelain Tondi in Pierced Gilt-Bronze Roman Revival Frames
Royal Vienna Porcelain Manufactory (K.K. Wiener Porzellanmanufaktur)
… Read more Pair of Signed Vienna Mythological Porcelain Tondi in Pierced Gilt-Bronze Roman Revival Frames
Royal Vienna Porcelain Manufactory (K.K. Wiener Porzellanmanufaktur)
Austria and Bohemia, Circa 1880–1900

An exceptional pair of hand-painted mythological porcelain tondi, executed on fine Thüngenwald porcelain blanks from Bohemia and decorated in Vienna by the firm R.F.St. Each porcelain reserve is signed "Siral" and presented within magnificent pierced gilt-bronze Roman Revival frames, creating decorative wall objects of remarkable quality and presence.

The circular porcelain plaques, measuring 9.5 inches in diameter, are painted with richly detailed allegorical scenes inspired by classical antiquity. One depicts a Roman warrior receiving the blessings of a celestial female figure attended by Cupid and musical putti, symbolizing glory, triumph, and artistic inspiration. The companion scene portrays a ceremonial gathering before a sacred altar, representing piety, civic virtue, and devotion. Together the compositions form a harmonious pendant celebrating the heroic and moral ideals associated with ancient Rome.

Both plaques bear Thüngenwald factory marks to the reverse, together with the green R.F.St. Vienna decorating mark, and retain the artist's signature, "Siral," within the painted reserves. The paintings display the luminous palette, refined brushwork, and miniature precision that made Vienna-decorated porcelain among the most admired luxury arts of the late nineteenth century.

Equally impressive are the original gilt-bronze surrounds. Measuring 16.5 inches in diameter, the frames are richly cast and pierced with palmettes, anthemia, rosettes, and scrolling Roman Revival ornament inspired by classical architectural decoration. Their intricate openwork creates a lace-like halo around each painted reserve, transforming the porcelain plaques into sculptural tondi rather than conventional cabinet plates.

Combining Bohemian porcelain manufacture, Viennese decorative artistry, and finely executed gilt-bronze metalwork, this rare signed pair embodies the fascination with classical mythology, Roman virtue, and historicist design that characterized the finest decorative arts of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the turn of the twentieth century.

Porcelain plaques: 9.5 inches diameter
Overall dimensions: 16.5-inch diameter each See less