MONUMENTAL KPM PORCELAIN PLAQUE “The Abduction of the Daughters of Leucippus”

Carl Meinelt (1825 – 1900), 2nd half 19th century

After the painting by Peter Paul Rubens,

very finely painted, depicting a mythological scene of the abduction of the daughters of King Leucippus of Argos,

Phoebe and Hilaeira, by the twin warriors Castor and Pollux, mounted in a carved gilt-wood frame

Signed C. Meinelt

Impressed KPM and scepter marks, impressed letter F beneath the KPM mark

Plaque dimensions – height 21 1/2 in. (55 cm), width 17 in. (43 cm)
Frame dimensions – height 33 3/4 in. (86 cm), width 29 1/2 inches (75 cm)

CONDITION:

Porcelain plaque in very good condition. Frame is in acceptable condition with scattered repaired chips and areas of cracking, not noticeable from a distance of a few feet.

NOTE:

Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640), “The Abduction of the Daughters of Leucippus”, created in 1618

Rubens’ life-size painting illustrates the mythical tale of the abduction of the daughters of King Leucippus of Argos, Hilaeira and Phoebe, by the twin warriors, the mortal Castor and the immortal Pollux. Castor, the horse-tamer is recognizable from his armor, while Pollux, the boxer is shown with a bare and free upper body. The brothers were set on marrying Hilaeira and Phoebe, but the daughters were already betrothed to the twin brothers Lynceus and Idas of Thebes. Castor and Pollux carried off the two women to Sparta, where they were duly married, and both gave birth to sons. But the brothers were soon challenged by Idas and Lynceus, who killed Castor. Pollux convinced Zeus (his father) to let him share his own immortality with his twin to keep them together, and they were transformed into the constellation Gemini. The pair was regarded as the patrons of sailors, to whom they appeared as St. Elmo’s Fire.

Item Nr. 1675 (Porcelain plaque, Carl Meinelt)

LARGE MONUMENTAL KPM PORCELAIN PLAQUE “The Abduction…”

KPM, signed C. Meinelt, 2nd half 19th century

Item Nr. 1675 (Porcelain plaque, Carl Meinelt)