Delft Blue Commemorative Winter Landscape Plate
Ceramic, decorative art (circular wall plate) • Louis Apol (after); produced by a Delft-based pottery school or workshop (indicated by the 'Delft' script)
Style & Movement
Dutch Realism / Hague School tradition
Medium & Technique
Hand-painted or transfer-printed cobalt blue underglaze on tin-glazed earthenware (Delftware)
Creation Period
Late 19th to early 20th Century (circa 1880-1920)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20-30 cm in diameter; circular (tondo) format
Subject Description
A traditional winter landscape featuring a frozen canal with ice blocks, a docked Dutch sailing vessel, figures walking near snowy cottages, and a town skyline in the distance under a cloudy sky. The composition utilizes a atmospheric perspective common in the Hague School.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; visible crazing across the surface indicative of age and temperature fluctuations; original wire hangers attached.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $450 USD (depending on factory marks on reverse)
Auction Estimate
$100 - $300 USD
Provenance History
Likely produced as a high-quality souvenir or decorative object for the Dutch domestic or international tourism market; current presence in a private collection.
Art Historical Significance
A fine example of the late 19th-century revival of Delftware combined with the popular 'Winter Landscape' aesthetics of the Hague School, specifically emulating the atmospheric style of Louis Apol.
Notable Features
Features a prominent signature 'L. Apol' and 'Delft' on the front surface, which is a specific identifier for pieces inspired by the renowned winter landscape painter Louis Apol.
Condition Issues
Extensive surface crazing (fine network of cracks) in the glaze, minor rim abrasions, and potential oxidation depending on storage conditions.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a stable temperature/humidity environment to prevent further crazing; avoid cleaning with harsh chemicals; use padded plate hangers to prevent rim chipping.