Stunning porcelain plate, made for Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild's steam yacht 'Rona'.
Circa 1895.  Part of the Rothschild banking dynasty, Baron Ferdinand was a politician, philanthropist and art collector. He built Waddeston Manor, in the French Renaissence style, to entertain his many guests and to house his exceptional collection of art and antiques. 
 
 He sailed the Mediterranean and the French Riviera. visiting Nice, Cannes and Monte Carlo. The last trip was to Cannes in 1896. The Rothschild's loved this area, Villa Rothschild was built in Cannes for Betty Rothschild in 1881. Baron Alphonse inherited it from his mother in 1886. His daughter, Baroness Beatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, began to build her own  pink villa in 1905, perhaps inspired by her cousin and his love of French art and birds. Ferdinand had attended her wedding in Paris, 1883.
 
Many items of the Waddeston Bequest at the British Museum were aquired during
voyages on this vessel. In Hebrew "Rona" can be intrepreted to mean "joyful".
Excellent condition.  Short isolated crack to right of crest.  Some minor crazing. Measure approx 10 Inches wide. Retailed by Mortlocks & Co. London.