Plaque

Description

Electrotype plaque representing a Pompeian lady at her toilette with her maidens, original designed by Léonard Morel-Ladeuil in 1876: English, Birmingham, manufactured by Elkington and Co., c. 1878

Museum reference

A.1878.21.2

Collection

Decorative and Applied Art

Object name

Plaque, Electrotype

Production information

Elkington & Co. 1861 - 1963, Manufacturer
Birmingham, Warwickshire, England, Northern Europe
Morel-Ladeuil, Léonard, 1820 - 1888, Designer

Date

c. 1878

Materials

Copper alloy, Silver, electroplated, Gilt copper alloy

Physical description

Large, shallow shield/plaque representing a Pompeian lady at her toilette with her maidens. The centre of the shield depicts scene in relief of a lady on her chaise longue, draped in fabrics and holding a hand mirror. Three maidens are tending to her, one kneeling, two standing. Behind is Roman architecture, featuring Ionic columns, within a Pompeian house. To the left is a small dancing figure playing a wind instrument. To the right is a large vase on a table. The background is replete with plants and garlands in relief. Framing the scene are three decorative bands. The dark inner band features repeating fan-like pattern with protruding pointed flowers. The next band is wider and features repeating foliate patterns and swirls. At the centre bottom is an oval shield flanked by two griffins that hold the shield. At the centre top is a bearded, grimacing face. The outermost band is thin, dark, slightly raised and decorated with repeating floriate pattern. The rim drops to a flat outer edge.

Associations

Pompeii, Italy, Southern Europe

Exhibitions

• European Styles (29 Jul 2011 - 03 Aug 2014)
  National Museum of Scotland