French Allegorical Enamel Plaque After Debat-Ponsan -- Nec Mergitur (Truth Leaving the Well)
$4,400.00
Our fine French enamel plaque on copper in gilt bronze frame is an exceptional representation of Nec Mergitur, the Latin title to the 1898 painting by Edouard Debat-Ponsan (1847-1913) which depicts a maiden, symbolic of truth, holding a mirror as she emerges from a well as she is held back by two sinister figures. Signed with artist's monogram in lower right and "d'Apred E. Debat-Ponsan".
This work is said to be a commentary on the affair of Alfred Dreyfus, who was convicted of treason in 1894 for passing French military secrets to the German Embassy in Paris, and imprisoned on Devil’s Island, the notorious penal colony in French Guiana. An investigation revealed in 1896 that the another Army officer was responsible for the crime, but the new evidence was suppressed and led to the acquittal of the other officer. There were further attempts to charge Dreyfus with other crimes, and the affair divided the French public. Debat-Ponsan was convinced of Dreyfus' innocence and painted this work showing the naked Truth emerging from her mythological well and brandishing her mirror.
Condition is good. There are scratches, small losses and rubbing wear.
