Two Austrian circular painted porcelain plaques in brass frames

It seems likely that these figures — the young girl and boy — were siblings, or related in some other capacity, since the two plaques were clearly painted as a pair. The girl is dressed in a high-necked white shirt, with a maroon-coloured collar, and she wears her dark hair down, with a bright blue and red hat on her head. The young boy is clad in a dark purple, possibly velvet, coat, with a gold bodice, white shirt with a high-necked collar, and several necklaces. On his head rests a red velvet and silver cap, beneath a floppy black hat, with a large white ostrich plume feather.

The portraits are cut off at the bust, creating a sense of intimacy between the beholder and the subject. Both images are set against a black ground, which helps to illuminate the figures depicted.

Compared to canvas, or other such base materials, the porcelain ground has ensured the original richness of the colours and shine of the paint have been retained over time.

Both plaques are set within circular gold-coloured brass frames, which are decorated with strapwork, scrolling organic forms, and cornucopias.