Copeland porcelain antique rectangular plaque by Besche

By Besche (French, 1851-1899) | Copeland (British, c. 1833-1966)

£12,000

This exquisite antique plaque was painted by famous French porcelain artist Besche, who was preeminent as a painter of figurative subject matter.

 

Questions about this piece?

Description

Depicting the Casket Scene from the Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare, as inscribed to reverse, this beautiful antique porcelain plaque is painted with exquisite artistry by the leading French porcelain artist L. Besche.

Showing the moment when Bassanio is offered a choice of three caskets in order to win the hand of the beautiful Portia, and correctly choosing the lead casket, unlike the previous two suitors, who chose the gold and silver caskets, shows a young nobleman, dressed in rich purple robes, before a young lady in white, acompanied by her entourage. Painted with wonderful skill, the various textures, colours, robes, and shades of the figures and objetcs within the composition are beautifully conveyed, as is the hopeful expectation from Portia that Bassanio will choose correctly.

It is impressed with the mark 'COPELAND' to reverse and signed to the front lower right 'L. BESCHE,' and is housed in a giltwood frame. It is possibly after a oil-painting attributed to Jack Leight Wardleworth, with the same composition.

Frame: height 47.5cm, width 65.5cm, depth 5cm
Plaque: 34cm, width 52cm, depth 1.5cm

Details

Artist / Maker
By Besche (French, 1851-1899) , Copeland (British, c. 1833-1966)
Country of Origin
English
Date of Manufacture
Late 19th Century
Period
Late 19th Century
Style
Figurative Art, Shakespeare, Theatre & Literature, Urban Views / Townscapes
Material
Porcelain
Colour
Gold, Multi-coloured

Dimensions

Height
47.5 cm / 18.5 inches
Width
65.5 cm / 25.6 inches
Depth
5 cm / 2 inches

Reference:
009969

Free International Shipping

This item qualifies for free international shipping, inclusive of professional packing and insurance.
Terms and conditions apply.