This exquisite 19th-century porcelain plaque is a masterclass in fine-art miniature painting. It features a detailed, hand-painted portrait of the tragic Roman heroine, Beatrice Cenci, rendered after the celebrated Baroque original attributed to Guido Reni. The portrait is hand-signed in the lower right corner by C. Russhuldt.
The plaque is securely housed in its original, ornate Florentine-style gilded metal easel frame, complete with scrollwork, an acanthus leaf crest, and a sturdy swing-out kickstand for tabletop display. Frame is magnetic, indicating cast iron or steel with gilt finish, not solid bronze.
- Frame: 12"H x 9"W x 1"D
- Porcelain Plaque: 5.75" H x 4.25" W
- Artist: C. Russhuldt
- Medium: Hand-painted enamel on porcelain
- Germany, circa 1890-1910
- Both frame and porcelain plaque are in excellent antique condition. No chips, cracks. The enamel colors remain exceptionally vibrant. Frame gilding shows a rich aged patina. The easel stand is fully functional.
The Story of Beatrice Cenci
Beatrice Cenci was a young Roman noblewoman whose tragic story captivated artists and writers throughout the 19th century. Born in 1577, she suffered abuse at the hands of her father, Count Francesco Cenci. In 1598, she and her family were implicated in his murder and Beatrice was executed in 1599 at just 22 years old. Her beauty, youth, and the injustice of her trial turned her into a Romantic-era symbol of innocence, martyrdom, and rebellion against tyranny. Painters, poets, and novelists — including Shelley, Stendhal, and Guido Reni — immortalized her image. Reni’s haunting portrait, with its white turban and melancholy gaze, became the most iconic likeness. German porcelain studios in the late 1800s frequently reproduced this image on plaques like this one, which were prized as Grand Tour souvenirs and reflections of 19th-century fascination with her story.
Carlsbad, CA
