Antique Porcelain Plaque, c.1880, Hand-Painted “Jupiter and Io” After Correggio

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A finely hand-painted Continental European porcelain plaque, circa 1880–1895, depicting Io from Antonio Allegri da Correggio’s celebrated Renaissance painting Jupiter … Read more A finely hand-painted Continental European porcelain plaque, circa 1880–1895, depicting Io from Antonio Allegri da Correggio’s celebrated Renaissance painting Jupiter and Io, painted circa 1530.
The composition focuses closely on the reclining figure of Io, her head tilted back as the shadowy form of Jupiter emerges from the dark surrounding cloud. The painter has captured the dramatic contrast of luminous flesh tones against the nearly black background, giving the small-scale work an unusually atmospheric and sensual presence.
During the 19th century, accomplished porcelain painters frequently adapted celebrated Old Master compositions into finely painted cabinet plaques for European interiors and collectors. This example is executed with particularly delicate modeling to the face, hair, and skin.
The reverse is painted in red with the initials “MEH” and the number “14,” and bears the impressed mark “459 E.” The specific painter and porcelain manufactory have not been identified.
Presented in an ornate oval dark-stained wood frame with raised foliate decoration and gilt highlights. The richly carved frame complements the dark palette and Romantic character of the painting beautifully.

L (plaque) 9 3/8" W (plaque) 7" L (frame) 13 1/2" W (frame) 11 1/4" See less