Antique Porcelain Plaque Portrait – Classical Lady After Raphael? – Ornate Frame
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This stunning, hand painted, porcelain plaque was probably part of a large piece of Georgian or early Victorian furniture. Luckily someone had the foresight to keep and frame this stunning piece!!! (Could possibly be signed on back )
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Beautifully decorative 19th-century style mounted within an ornate period frame and presented against a warm silk-style backing.
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At the centre is a finely painted oval-rectangular plaque depicting a young woman in classical dress, her head gently inclined in the romantic manner of Renaissance portraiture. The delicate modelling of the face, soft colour palette, and ethereal expression strongly suggest the piece was painted after a Raphael-inspired Madonna or Renaissance study, a popular subject for high-quality European porcelain studios during the Victorian period.
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Possible Origin & Artist
 
While no visible factory mark is present from the images, the style is characteristic of:
 
KPM Berlin school (after Raphael) – late 19th century
 
Or a continental European porcelain studio (German, Austrian, or French), c. 1880–1900
 
These plaques were often painted by studio artists working from engraved or painted Old Master reproductions rather than signed individually.
 
 
The portrait type resembles the gentle female studies derived from Raphael’s Madonnas and Renaissance idealised figures rather than a specific named sitter. The model could therefore be described as:
 
“Classical female figure after Raphael / Renaissance school”
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Frame & Presentation
 
Ornate pressed composition or carved wooden frame with scrolling Victorian decoration
 
Silk or satin backing (now showing attractive age toning and colour variation)
 
Decorative blue and gilt enamel-style border framing the portrait plaque
 
Ready to hang
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Condition
 
Plaque appears in good condition with only minor surface specks consistent with age
 
Backing fabric shows age fading and colour variation, which adds to its antique character
 
Frame shows light wear and patina commensurate with age
 
No visible cracks or restoration noted from inspection
 
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Approximate Date
 
Late 19th century (circa 1880–1900)
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Size frame
 
46 cm wide
33 cm tall
2 cm depth