Provenance
With a label of Antoine Lebel, Paris.
Description
The centre is decorated with the mythological story of the nymph Arethusa, daughter of Nereus, and Alpheus, inspired by Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Pursued by the river god Alpheus after bathing in his waters, the nymph implores Diana for protection. The goddess appears in the clouds and transforms Arethusa into a fountain, depicted here at the very moment of her divine rescue.
Reference:
Veritas Art Auctioneers, Portugal, 6 October 2014, lot 174 for a cup and saucer. (sold EUR 1.700,00) (link)
F. & N. Hervouet and Y. Bruneau, 'La Porcelaine des Compagnies des Indes à décor occidental', p. 308, no. 13.63 for an identical saucer.
F. & P. Cunha Alves, 'From East to West : the Quest for Chinese Export Porcelain with Western Themes', p. 143, fig. 83 for a cup and saucer, where the authors note the inspiration for the design might have come from an engraving by Bernard Picart.
Lot 423
A fine Chinese famille rose mythological subject 'Arethusa, Alpheus and Diana' saucer
Qianlong, ca. 1745
Dia.: 11,6 cm
This lot was sold on 5 September 2026, 9 AM (CEST) and is no longer available
Provenance
With a label of Antoine Lebel, Paris.
