Decorative Oval Plaque

The "Decorative Oval Plaque", crafted by an unknown master, serves as a unique specimen of fine ceramic art. This oval-shaped piece features a white relief image against a matte greenish background, depicting a symbolic scene with the ancient Roman mythological figure Amor (Cupid), the god of love and passion. A young woman is seated on a garden bench as Amor flies towards her, leaning in for a kiss. The object is adorned with a floral motif defined by the soft, flowing lines characteristic of the Art Nouveau style. In its execution, it closely resembles the work of the celebrated English "Wedgwood" manufactory, which enjoyed exceptional popularity throughout Europe. The enterprise famously invented a jasper body similar to porcelain, coloured with metal oxides in blue, light blue, olive, pink, black, or yellow. Wares made from this material, decorated with classical-style reliefs modelled from white paste, achieved tremendous success. This jasper ware was widely used to fashion decorative vases, panels for furniture embellishment, and medallions featuring portraits of eminent individuals and classical mythological themes.

Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery