Large Picture Plate of Four Seasons with Father of Time from Royal Vienna, 1890

Description

Large, lavishly decorated porcelain plate: large, square panel in the centre, framed by a wide palmette band painted in gold … more Large, lavishly decorated porcelain plate: large, square panel in the centre, framed by a wide palmette band painted in gold on gold, finely painted in polychrome: Four youthful figures wrapped in coloured cloths, personifying the four seasons, holding hands and dancing a round dance, on the right an old bearded angel, the Father of Time, seated in front of a high pedestal playing the lyre, at his feet a putto holding up an hourglass and observing, opposite him, on the left side of the picture, another Cupid, blowing soap bubbles from a tube, behind him, on the left edge of the picture, a stele with the head of Janus, god of the beginning and the end, hung with garlands of flowers, above the scenery in the firmament a Bacchanal on a backlit cloud, celebrating the joy of life. The golden meander band on a red background in the groove of the plate is intersected by the corners of the picture with stylised mascarons; the four arched segments around the picture in the mirror are framed in blue and filled with gold-pastose painted arabesques and mythical creatures on a light yellow background. The rim of the plate is divided into twelve reserves on a yellow background, designed alternately in lilac against red and red against orange, richly decorated in gold-pastose painting, depicting feathered tendrils and mythical creatures, as well as antique-style scenes. Inscription in red on the back of the plate: ‘The four seasons dance around the Father of Time’. Painted after an oil painting by Nicolas Poussin (1594-1665), ‘Dance to the Music of Time’ (1634/36), a commissioned work for the Roman patron of the arts, Giulio Rospigliosi, who later became Pope Clement IX. The painting is now kept in the Wallace Collection in London. Manufactory: Vienna / Austria Dating: Circa 1890 Material: Porcelain, painted, glossy finish, gold painting Technique: Handmade and hand-painted porcelain Diameter 35,5 cm / 13.97 in Height 4,7 cm / 1.85 in Marks: Apogryphic Viennese Beehive Mark in blue Painter's mark Inscription in red 'Die vier Jahreszeiten umtanzen den Vater der Zeit' meaning: 'The Four Seasons dance around the Father of Time' Condition: Excellent overall condition This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



issues arising from misattribution less