Bidspirit auction | Oval Porcelain Plaque 'The Vestal

Oval Porcelain Plaque 'The Vestal Virgin' in Gilt Metal Frame - A hand-painted oval porcelain plaque depicting a young woman as a Vestal Virgin, a composition based on the 18th-century painting by Angelica Kauffman. The subject is rendered in classical attire, wearing a white robe and a translucent gray veil that draped over her head and shoulders. She is shown in profile, holding a lighted terracotta oil lamp in her right hand against a dark, neutral background. The plaque is set within an ornate gilt metal frame featuring a pierced border of cast flowers and scrolling foliage. The verso of the plaque is protected by a solid metal backing. A simple wire hanger is attached to the top of the frame for wall mounting. No signatures, maker’s marks, or inscriptions are visible on the porcelain or the frame. Height: 4.75 in. Width: 4 in. The porcelain plaque remains in good condition with no visible cracks, chips, or surface abrasions (photo 1). The hand-painted decoration shows no signs of pigment loss or fading. The gilt metal frame exhibits minor surface darkening and tarnish consistent with the materials and age of the piece (photo 1, photo 2). The wire hanger on the verso is securely attached.