AN ITALIAN PORCELAIN PORTRAIT PLAQUE PORTRAYING BEATRICE CENCI AS A SYBIL, AFTER GUIDO RENI, LATE 19TH/EARLY 20TH CENTURY, a finely painted oval porcelain reversing to the white bisque back with a black stenciled fleur-de-lys above "Firenze," centering a circular applied frame manufacturer's label and red ink "Cenci - G. Reni," illegible impressed marks, within a reticulated scrolling carved wood frame. Height: 7" Width: 5 1/2" NOTE: Guido Reni (Italian 1575-1642), a highly acclaimed Baroque Mannerist artist of the Bolognse School. The original "Sybil" hangs in the Galleria Nazionale d' Arte Antica, Rome and is attributed to Reni. Beatrice Cenci (1577-1599), tradition has said that she is a young Roman noblewoman dressed as a Sybil a few day before being put to death for the murder of her cruel father the Count Francesco Cenci. Legend has it that Reni entered her cell shortly before her beheading. Beatrice apparently plotted with her family to have the Count killed after his continued sexual abuse of her and violent treatment of other family members. The court sentenced the family to be executed saving the youngest son to be a slave oarsman on a galley ship. Beatrice has become a symbol of resistance.

The porcelain is in good condition with two negligible scratches lower left and surface build up on reverse. Frame has age cracks and buildup, otherewise good shape.

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