Lot 314
FAMILLE ROSE 'EUROPEAN SUBJECT' PLATE
QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD
Fine Asian & Islamic Works of Art
Auction: 3 November 2023 from 09:00 GMT
Description
清乾隆 外銷粉彩神話人物埃西斯及加拉蒂亞圖盤
painted in the central medallion with an amorous couple, Acis and Galatea, the rim with puce panels reserved on a grisaille cell diaper
Dimensions
22.5cm diameter
Provenance
Provenance: Private Scottish collection, Glasgow
Footnote
Note: Observes by Cohen and Cohen in A Game of Bowls, 2014, pl. 69, pg. 100, the subject matter on this plate was originally thought to be Cupid and Psyche, it is now believed that this represents Acis and Galatea, though it could really be any excuse to show an amorous, partially clad couple embracing. The image is derived from a print by Edmé Jeaurat after a painting by Charles de la Fosse. The original image included Polyphemus who is omitted on the porcelain. There is another version with the image reversed and a Dutch ship in the distance, reminiscent of the ‘sailor’s farewell’.
Galatea was a sea-nymph, the daughter of Nereus and Doris. She was in love with Acis, son of Pan but was ardently pursued by the Cyclops Polyphemus whom Galatea rejected. When the Cyclops discovered the couple together he crushed Acis under a rock. According to Ovid Galatea changed Acis into a river that bore his name. She made up with Polyphemus and bore him a son Galas, ancestor of the Gauls (Galatians). The harmonious scene portrayed here is the moment before an act of extreme violence and tragic loss.