Artwork

Saucer with Rich Enameled Ground and Medallion Representing the Goddess Kounin

Saucer with Rich Enameled Ground and Medallion Representing the Goddess Kounin is a print by the Impressionist artist Jules Jacquemart. It dates from 1877 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The composition balances intricate ornamental motifs with a focal figure, presenting a decorative object that merges narrative and ornamental concerns.

Created around 1877 by Jules Jacquemart, this round printed plate is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection. The work features a richly enamelled background and a central medallion that depicts a female deity identified as the goddess Kounin. The composition balances intricate ornamental motifs with a focal figure, presenting a decorative object that merges narrative and ornamental concerns.

Subject & Meaning

At the heart of the plate stands a woman in flowing garments, positioned on a craggy shoreline and clutching a tall staff. A bird hovers nearby, while surrounding clouds, flora and small creatures populate the scene. The figure’s attire and pose suggest a divine presence, aligning with the identification of the subject as the goddess Kounin, a figure associated with nature and protection.

Technique & Style

Jacquemart employed a dense, linear approach, filling the surface with black‑and‑white line work punctuated by selective gold highlights. The enamel ground provides a glossy, richly coloured field that contrasts with the intricate monochrome drawing of the medallion. This combination of fine engraving and enamel work reflects the 19th‑century revival of ornamental printmaking.

History & Provenance

The plate was produced in the late nineteenth century, a period when European artisans often revisited classical and mythological themes in decorative arts. It entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition, where it remains on view as an example of Jacquemart’s printmaking and the era’s fascination with elaborate, narrative ornamentation.