19th Century KPM porcelain plaque, after Old Master painting

19th Century KPM porcelain plaque, after Old Master painting
German, 19th Century
Plaque: Height 24cm, width 18cm
Frame: Height 53cm, width 50cm, depth 8cm

This fine KPM porcelain plaque depicts the biblical story of the expulsion of Hagar by Abraham. Abraham is shown bearded in a blue robe, as he casts away his mistress Hagar and her son Ishmael upon the instruction of his wife Sarah. Sarah watches on with her son Isaac, who is shown clutching at the robes of Abraham. The story is taken from the Book of Genesis in the Old Testament, and this particular treatment of the scene is after the Old Master painting by Adrien van der Werff (Dutch, 1659-1722). The treatment of the subject takes an unusual interpretation of the biblical story, in which Ishmael jeers at and taunts his half-brother Isaac, causing Sarah to demand his banishment. Here, however, the animosity is depicted amongst the adults only, and the young boys seem to look to one another wistfully as they part.
The plaque is marked with the KPM sceptre to the reverse, and is set within an intricately detailed Rococo style giltwood frame.

Artist/Maker: KPM, Konigliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (German, founded 1763)