Tomyris with the Head of Cyrus 1768 - 1778

This sculptural group, made of porcelain at the Frankenthal Manufactory, presents a dramatic scene. At first glance, the eye is drawn to the vibrant colors and intricate detailing. A seated queen and standing king oversee the washing of a severed head, creating a tableau that is both unsettling and visually captivating. The composition is carefully arranged, with the figures forming a pyramidal shape that leads the eye from the base to the regal figures at the top. The use of bright colors like the queen's gold dress and the king's purple robe, is not merely decorative but also signifies the power dynamics at play. The base, adorned with gilded accents, elevates the scene, framing it as a spectacle of triumph and authority. This piece destabilizes the conventional understanding of porcelain as merely ornamental. Instead, it engages with themes of power, revenge, and justice. It challenges us to consider how materials and forms can communicate complex narratives.