Pair of German Silverplate Framed Plaques by Prof. Rudolf Mayer for WMF

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On offer is a pair of striking silverplate relief plaques in their original frames. These are classic German commemorative pieces … Read more On offer is a pair of striking silverplate relief plaques in their original frames. These are classic German commemorative pieces manufactured by WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik) and designed by the celebrated sculptor and medalist Professor Rudolf Mayer (1846–1916). The designs originated around 1900–1910. They were continuously produced by WMF into the 1920s serving as prestigious company tokens given to employees to celebrate long-service milestones or commercial jubilees.

SCENES: The plaques display an idealized, academic worldview from the early 20th century, representing the two pillars of national progress. The first, titled "Handel und Industrie" (Trade and Industry), depicts an allegorical interaction symbolizing global commerce and industrial labor. On the left of the design, European sailors and workers unload goods alongside a heavy anchor, with a large sailing vessel visible in the background. In the center, a European merchant shakes hands with an Indigenous figure representing overseas territories, illustrating the expansion of colonial-era trade relationships.

The second, titled "Kunst und Wissenschaft" (Art and Science) represents intellectual and creative achievement. It features classical figures—including a seated bearded scholar or philosopher reminiscent of antiquity, a female figure holding a torch, symbolizing enlightenment, and scales. A craftsman drawing on a tablet rests over an Ionic capital. A classical temple, resembling the Parthenon, rests on a hill in the background.

STYLE & ARTIST: The works are designed in the Beaux-Arts Academic Style with subtle Jugendstil, or German Art Nouveau, undertones in the composition typography and fluid anatomy. Rudolf Mayer, a prominent professor of chasing and engraving at the Kunstgewerbeschule in Karlsruhe modeled the designs. His subtle monogram initials (RM) can often be spotted integrated into the bottom-right corner corners of the relief casts.

MATERIALS: While they visually resemble silvered bronze or copper, WMF’s hallmark industrial process for these large-format panels was Galvanoplastik (electrotyping). This process utilized electricity to deposit a precise layer of metal (often copper or a bronze alloy) into a detailed matrix mold, which was then silver-plated and chemically treated to give it a rich, contrasting dark patina in the recessed areas.

FRAMES: The plaques are securely mounted in their original, wide, ebonized wooden frames, which retain their period leatherette backing paper and original serrated German inventory stamps.

Signature/Maker’s Mark: Nonexistent. Image dimensions for both: 7.25 inches high x 11.25 inches wide. Labels attached to frames are illegible (photos #5, 11). See less