Gothic revival carved oak and KPM porcelain triptych

Gothic revival carved oak and KPM porcelain triptych
German, c. 1860
Overall: Height 144cm, width 58cm (doors closed), 80cm (doors open) depth 14cm
Frame: Height 100cm, width 58cm (doors closed), 80cm (doors open), depth 13cm
Bracket: Height 44cm, width 64cm, depth 14cm
 
The triptych comprises a trio of porcelain plaques, depicting the patron saints of the German city of Cologne (Köln) by the renowned Berlin manufacturer KPM (Konigliche Porzellan-Manufaktur). The larger central plaque depicts the Madonna and Child receiving the three Magi and their gifts. The two, smaller flanking plaques depict St. Ursula and St. Gereon. The subject for the plaques is taken from 'The Dombild Altarpiece', a famous triptych of c. 1442 by Stefan Lochner (German, c. 1410-1451), which was painted in tempera on oak for the Cologne Cathedral.
 
The plaques are centrally mounted within a heavily carved oak frame. The frame has a pair of doors to the centre, which open to reveal the painted porcelain plaques to the interior. The triptych frame is intricately carved all over and takes an architectural form, featuring foliate motifs, scrolls and a central cross. The frame stands upon a separate bracket of carved oak which takes the form of a raised plinth and features additional scrolling foliate carvings.
 
Artist/ Maker: KPM (Konigliche Porzellan-Manufaktur)