Fine Royal Bonn Blue & White Portrait Charger – Van Genden, c.1890

Fine Royal Bonn Blue & White Portrait Charger – Van Genden, c.1890 A large late 19th century portrait charger by Royal Bonn, Germany, circa 1890. Finely hand painted in underglaze cobalt blue with a bust-length portrait of a gentleman—titled to the reverse as No. 17 van Genden—in 17th century dress. The subject is executed with considerable skill, showing tonal depth and strong draughtsmanship, likely copied after an Old Master or Dutch Baroque portrait. Finished in blue and white with subtle modelling to the features, ringlets and robes. Impressive decorative scale, intended for wall display. Diameter: 36 cm (14 in) Condition: Very good. No chips or cracks. Fine overall crazing to the glaze, commensurate with age. Marks: Printed crowned FM monogram for Franz Anton Mehlem, Bonn, Germany Inscribed number and sitter’s name German patent triangle "Gesetzlich Geschützt / PATENTED / Reg. No. 785729" Impressed mark to centre The Royal Bonn factory, active under Franz Anton Mehlem from 1836 to 1921, was celebrated for high-quality art ceramics. From 1890, the term “Royal” was incorporated into the mark. The factory was taken over by Villeroy & Boch in 1921 and closed in 1931.