Fine Antique Madonna and Child Hand-Painted Porcelain Plaque, Probably made in Northern Europe from 1825-1875, found in Central Missouri

This framed, hand-painted Madonna and Christ Child on porcelain plaque exhibits fine miniature painting with exceptional detail.  The background of the plaque is an extraordinary overall white-on-white cloud design, which creates a matte background for the figures.  This cloud design is visible in glancing light, and the reverse has a  decorator's mark "18" painted in red on lower right corner of back (see photo). 

Found in Central Missouri, it is believed to have been brought to Missouri by Northern European immigrants in the mid-1800s.  This painting is a rare survival of that journey.  

The porcelain plaque is mounted in an antique hand-carved pine Mexican frame with old red-brown paint that dates from prob. 1880-1920.

Dimensions:  Plaque: 6-1/4" tall x 4-1/8" wide;  Frame: 9-5/8" tall x 7-5/8" wide

Condition:  Excellent.  No cracks, chips or restoration to porcelain, There is one tiny area of wear on the painted tile floor just to the lower left of Madonna's gown (see photo).  The antique pine frame is intact, with minor wear to carved details.