A CHINESE EXPORT ALLEGORICAL PLATE circa 1740-45

emblematic of 'Fire,' and depicting Jupiter with his eagle approaching Vulcan seated near his forge amidst cupids playing with arrows and torches in the foreground and in the sky with Venus clasping torches in her chariot amidst clouds, two putti at the forge below, and the rim with a gilt floral and foliate-scroll border.  Restored chips issuing hair cracks.

James Galley, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, May 29, 1987

Slight wear to the gilding in the border, very minor stacking wear, restored chip at 8:30 issuing a 1 3/4-inch haircrack, a 1/2-inch haircrack at 9:30, a restored 5/8 inch chip at 1 o'clock on reverse rim issuing a 1 3/4-inch haircrack, a 2mm chip under the edge at 5:30, James Galley sticker.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

See the note to lot 200.

With respect to his painting of 'Fire,' the first in his series of 'The Four Elements,' Francesco Albani wrote to Cardinal Maurice: "I have painted Fire...not only divine and elemental fire as represented by the mighty Jupiter, but also the fire of love, of which Vulcan and the goddess of Cyprus are emblematic....I also have followed your wish that I represent a large number of cupids piercing with their irresistible arrows the hardest marble, steel, diamonds and the heart of the gods...". 

Identical plates are illustrated by Hervouët and Bruneau, p. 318, no. 13.92; Beurdeley, p. 179, cat. 129; Krahl and Harrison-Hall, p. 135, no. 56; Palmer, p. 71, color pl. 7; and Williamson, pl. XXXIX (bottom, left).  Another was sold in these rooms on October 14, 1993, lot 120.