Royal Vienna Cupid and Psyche Cabinet Plate with Raised Gilt and Turquoise Enamel, circa 1890

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Royal Vienna Cupid and Psyche Cabinet Plate with Raised Gilt and Turquoise Enamel, circa 1890

A Royal Vienna cabinet plate … Read more Royal Vienna Cupid and Psyche Cabinet Plate with Raised Gilt and Turquoise Enamel, circa 1890

A Royal Vienna cabinet plate depicting Cupid and Psyche in an intimate pastoral scene, surrounded by an exceptionally elaborate border of raised gilding and turquoise enamel. Measuring 9.5 inches in diameter, the plate was made for display, with close attention given to both the painted vignette and the ornament across its broad rim.

Cupid and Psyche recline together on a grassy bank. Cupid’s wings spread behind him, while his bow and blue-and-gold quiver rest against the vivid red drapery. Psyche holds one of his arrows and turns toward him; their expressions and the small space between their faces give the composition its quiet tension. The figures are delicately shaded, with subtle modeling of their faces, hands, and limbs. Bright highlights across the folds of crimson fabric provide a strong contrast to the pale figures. Trees and foliage recede into a soft, golden background, while stones, grasses, and broad leaves define the foreground.

The surrounding decoration is unusually intricate. Raised gold lines form a repeating lattice of arches, scrolls, pointed reserves, and small foliate elements. Turquoise enamel accents punctuate the design at regular intervals, joined by tiny white reserves and gilt dots. A narrower inner band of closely spaced gold strokes frames the vignette and gives the transition from ornament to painting a sense of depth. The relief of the gilding remains visible from an oblique angle, adding texture to the plate’s richly worked surface.

The reverse bears a blue shield or beehive mark and the red-painted number 24481.

Diameter: 9.5 inches. See less