Een paar Chinese famille rose borden met mythologisch decor van 'Acis and Galatea', Qianlong

Dia.: 22,5 cm

Condition: (UV-checked)
- Both plates in absolutely excellent condition, not the slightest bit of damage to be found. Quite unusual!

Originally thought to be Cupid and Psyche it is now believed that this represents Acis and Galatea, though it could really be any excuse to show an amorous, partially clad couple embracing. There is another version with the image reversed and a Dutch ship in the distance, reminiscent of the ‘sailor’s farewell’.
Galatea was a sea-nymph, the daughter of Nereus and Doris. She was in love with Acis, son of Pan but was ardently pursued by the Cyclops Polyphemus whom Galatea rejected. When the Cyclops discovered the couple together he crushed Acis under a rock. According to Ovid Galatea changed Acis into a river that bore his name. She made up with Polyphemus and bore him a son Galas, ancestor of the Gauls (Galatians).
So the harmonious scene portrayed here is the moment before an act of extreme violence and tragic loss.
(Source: A game of bowls, Cohen and Cohen, 2014, nr. 69, p. 100 - where a set of 16 is shown)