PAST EXHIBITION
All Objects
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Plate
Urbino, ca. 1560, or Lyon, ca. 1582−85
If Lyon, painting attributed to Gironimo Tomasi
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Diam. 16 1/8 in. (41 cm)
Inscription: on the reverse, Mose riprende il popolo e l’eforta! [Moses reprimands the people and exhorts them]
Cat. 1
© Christophe Perlès -
Plate
Lyon, ca. 1582−85
Painting attributed to Gironimo Tomasi
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Diam. 17 3/4 in. (45 cm)
Inscription: on the reverse, In columna nubis / israelitas Deus / proecedit / EXOD / XIII [In a pillar of cloud, God leads the Israelites / EXODUS/ XIII]
Cat. 2
© The Frick Collection -
Dish
Lyon, ca. 1582−1600
Painting attributed to Gironimo Tomasi
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Diam. 18 7/8 in. (48 cm)
Inscription: on the reverse, Giedeô Selegit cô[n] tra / madian / IVD. IIIII [Gideon has chosen [in the fight] against Midian / IVD IIIII]
Cat. 3
© The Frick Collection -
Fluted Bowl
Lyon, ca. 1582−1600
Painting attributed to Gironimo Tomasi
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 5 3/8 in. (13.6 cm), diam. 14 1/2 in. (36.9 cm)
Cat. 4
© Beylard, Ferrier and Lewandowski -
Plate
Lyon, ca. 1580−1610
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Diam. 10 7/8 in. (27.5 cm)
Inscription: on the reverse, GENESE.III / Adam et Eve [GENESIS. III / Adam and Eve]
Cat. 5
© Christophe Perlès -
Platter
Urbino or Lyon, ca. 1600
If Urbino, attributed to the Patanazzi workshop
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Diam. 18 1/2 in. (47 cm)
Cat. 6
© Christophe Perlès -
Plate
Nevers, 1635
Attributed to Denis Lefebvre
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Diam. 8 1/2 in. (21.5 cm)
Inscription: on the reverse, PerSee Et Meduse / 1635 [Perseus and Medusa / 1635]
Cat. 7
© Christophe Perlès -
Dish
Nevers, ca. 1630−50
Attributed to the workshop of Antoine Conrade
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 19 1/2 in. (42 cm), W. 24 3/4 in. (63 cm)
Cat. 8
© The Frick Collection -
Pair of Covered Vases
Nevers, ca. 1640
Attributed to the workshop of Antoine Conrade
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 12 3/8 in. (31.5 cm), W. 7 in. (17.8 cm)
Cat. 12
© Christophe Perlès -
Plate
Nevers, ca. 1645
Workshop of Antoine Conrade
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Diam. 18 1/8 in. (46 cm)
Inscription: on the reverse, fait a nevers chez Mr di Conradi [made at Nevers in Mr di Conradi’s workshop]
Cat. 13
© The Frick Collection -
Plate
Nevers, ca. 1645
Workshop of Antoine Conrade
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 16 in. (40.6 cm), W. 19 7/8 in. (50.6 cm)
Inscription: on the reverse, de Conradi A Nevers [by Conrade in Nevers]
Cat. 14
© Christophe Perlès -
Dish
Nevers, ca. 1640−50
Attributed to the workshop of Antoine Conrade
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Diam. 11 1/2 in. (29.3 cm)
Cat. 15
© Christophe Perlès -
Gourd
Nevers, ca. 1640
Attributed to the workshop of Antoine Conrade
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 17 1/2 in. (44.3 cm), W. 11 in. (28 cm)
Cat. 9
© Beylard, Ferrier and LewandowskiThis gourd demonstrates the lasting influence of Italian models on the Nevers production, as well as the popularity in France of ceramics made in Italy seventy years earlier. It is decorated with a colorful istoriato representing Jupiter transformed into a satyr and approaching Antiope (on the front) and two satyrs (on the back). Its distinctive shape with two handles in the form of grotesque heads also followed Renaissance Italian maiolica produced in Urbino about 1560.
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Plate (tondino)
Nevers, ca. 1640
Attributed to the workshop of Antoine Conrade
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Diam. 11 1/4 in. (28.7 cm)
Cat. 10
© Beylard, Ferrier and Lewandowski
Related to cat. 11The allegory of a river, with a naked woman leaning on an amphora from which water is flowing, and sitting opposite her, a naked man, possibly representing Earth, decorates the center of this plate. On the other plate is a different allegory of a river depicted as a bearded man. Both scenes are surrounded by colorful satyrs, winged figures, horses, and trophies, all painted on a white ground. Although the decoration of these plates derives from maiolica made in Urbino about 1560−80, it is treated here in the paler palette characteristic of French potters. -
Plate (tondino)
Nevers, ca. 1640
Attributed to the workshop of Antoine Conrade
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Diam. 11 3/8 in. (29 cm)
Cat. 11
© Beylard, Ferrier and Lewandowski
Related to cat. 10On this plate, the allegory of a river is depicted as a bearded man. Decorating the center of the other plate is a different allegory of a river with a naked woman leaning on an amphora from which water is flowing, and sitting opposite her, a naked man, possibly representing Earth. Both scenes are surrounded by colorful satyrs, winged figures, horses, and trophies, all painted on a white ground. Although the decoration of these plates derives from maiolica made in Urbino about 1560−80, it is treated here in the paler palette characteristic of French potters.
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Platter
Nevers, ca. 1660−70
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 16 in. (40.7 cm), W. 19 3/4 in. (50 cm)
Cat. 16
© The Frick CollectionBy the middle of the seventeenth century, Nevers potters and painters were exploring new types of decoration, probably with the hope of forging a new artistic identity and attracting a broader clientele, while also responding to the artistic revolution taking place in France under Louis XIV (r. 1643–1715). Italian potters had, by this time, been established in France for several generations, and some French potters had no Italian roots at all; the Italian influence had therefore become weaker. At the forefront of the new production of faience was the use of a dark blue background, often referred to as “Nevers blue,” as seen on this large oval platter painted in white, yellow, and ochre with birds and bouquets of tulips, roses, daisies, and carnations, reminiscent of the Iznik tiles made in western Anatolia during the sixteenth century.
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Gourd
Nevers, ca. 1670−80
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 17 3/8 in. (44 cm), W. 9 in. (23 cm)
Cat. 17
© The Frick Collection -
Plate
Nevers, ca. 1680−85
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Diam. 22 3/8 in. (56.8 cm)
Cat. 21
© The Frick Collection -
Plate
Nevers, ca. 1680−90
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Diam. 22 1/8 in. (56.2 cm)
Cat. 22
© The Frick Collection -
Flask
Nevers, ca. 1680−90
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 11 in. (28 cm), W. 7 in. (17.8 cm)
Cat. 23
© The Frick Collection -
Gourd
Nevers, ca. 1680−90
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 14 5/8 in. (37 cm), W. 11 in. (28 cm)
Cat. 24
© Christophe Perlès -
Plate
Nevers, ca. 1680−90
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Diam. 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm)
Cat. 25
© Christophe Perlès -
Dish
Nevers, ca. 1680−1700
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Diam. 18 3/4 in. (47.7 cm)
Cat. 26
© Christophe Perlès -
Pair of Flasks
Nevers, ca. 1680−1700
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 13 1/8 in. (33.4 cm), W. 8 1/2 in. (22 cm)
Cat. 27
© Christie's -
Orange-Tree Planter
Nevers, ca. 1680
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 25 in. (63.5 cm), W. 27 in. (68.6 cm), D. 21 1/8 in (54 cm)
Cat. 20
© Christophe PerlèsOver the years, Nevers potters and painters refined the technique of tin-glazed earthenware, which enabled them to produce larger and more ambitious objects, like this rare tree planter, the largest faience piece known today. Its general shape was influenced by contemporary architecture, and the two large heads of Apollo on each side are characteristic of the Baroque style developed at the court of Versailles under Louis XIV. However, the originality of this piece is its type of decoration called à la palette de Nevers (in the palette of Nevers), inspired by Japanese porcelain and developed at Nevers. It is characterized by the use of grand feu colors — deep blue, dark manganese purple, bright yellow, orange ochre, and olive green — applied next to each other on large surfaces without depth or perspective. The images depicted here are Asian-inspired scenes and rural landscapes.
Such pots were used for orange and other fruit trees cultivated by the king, members of his family, and other wealthy aristocrats. They were placed inside orangeries, or greenhouses, during the winter, and, during the warm months of the year, in symmetrical jardins à la française (French Gardens), including those designed by André Le Nôtre, principal gardener and landscape architect of Louis XIV
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Ewer
Possibly forming a set with Basin
Nevers, ca. 1680
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 27 1/2 in. (70 cm), W. 13 in. (33 cm)
Cat. 18
© Christophe PerlèsThis ewer and the recently discovered basin are the most beautiful known pieces made with the famous dark blue background known as “Nevers blue,” invented in the second half of the seventeenth century in Nevers. Their shapes recall silver pieces used at the court of Louis XIV while their painted decoration — with figures wearing turbans, a shepherdess spinning a distaff, and peddlers — is inspired by early seventeenth-century French literature, including the novel L’Astrée by Honoré d’Urfé, published between 1607 and 1627.
These two exceptional pieces were originally intended for display during a banquet on a credenza, temporarily set up either inside a royal or princely residence, or outside, in a lavish jardin à la française.
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Basin
Possibly forming a set with Ewer
Nevers, ca. 1680
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 19 1/4 in. (49 cm), L. 22 3/4 in. (58 cm)
Cat. 19
© Camille LeprinceThis recently discovered basin and the ewer are the most beautiful known pieces made with the famous dark blue background known as “Nevers blue,” invented in the second half of the seventeenth century in Nevers. Their shapes recall silver pieces used at the court of Louis XIV while their painted decoration — with figures wearing turbans, a shepherdess spinning a distaff, and peddlers — is inspired by early seventeenth-century French literature, including the novel L’Astrée by Honoré d’Urfé, published between 1607 and 1627.
These two exceptional pieces were originally intended for display during a banquet on a credenza, temporarily set up either inside a royal or princely residence, or outside, in a lavish jardin à la française.
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Dish
Rouen, ca. 1725−30
Painted by Pierre II Chapelle
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Diam. 12 in. (30.4 cm)
Cat. 37
© The Frick CollectionBecause so few faience painters signed their pieces, attributions to a specific artist are almost impossible. One exception is Pierre II Chapelle (1695−1730), whose father was also an important faience painter in Rouen. Pierre II Chapelle signed a few pieces painted in a distinctive, virtuosic style after contemporary French engravings.
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Dish
Rouen, ca. 1730−40
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Diam. 13 in. (33 cm)
Cat. 41
© The Frick CollectionAs elsewhere in Europe, the import of Japanese lacquers, textiles, and porcelain left an important mark on potters in Rouen. This dish is influenced by Japanese Imari porcelain, characterized by extensive floral motifs painted in radiant blue and iron-red, and gold, although the central scene likely derives from a Chinese model.
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Tray
Rouen, ca. 1740−50
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 17 7/8 in. (45.5 cm), W. 20 1/4 (51.4 cm)
Cat. 45
© The Frick CollectionThe quality of the painting and the varied types of decoration that developed in Rouen during the first half of the eighteenth century are further exemplified by this tray featuring a peasant scene in the manner of the seventeenth-century Flemish painter David Teniers the Younger.
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Tray
Rouen, ca. 1700−20
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 12 1/2 in. (31.8 cm), W. 17 7/8 in. (45.3 cm)
Cat. 28
© Christophe Perlès -
Pair of Vases
Rouen, ca. 1710−20
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 11 1/4 in. (28.5 cm), W. 9 3/4 in. (25 cm)
Cat. 29
© The Frick Collection -
Vase
Rouen, ca. 1710−20
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 7 7/8 in. (20 cm), W. 5 in. (12.7 cm)
Cat. 30
© Christophe Perlès -
Platter
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Rouen, ca. 1710−20
Diam. 21 1/4 in. (54 cm)
Cat. 31
© Christophe Perlès -
Platter
Rouen, ca. 1725
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Diam. 21 1/4 in. (54 cm)
Cat. 32
© Christophe Perlès -
Platter
Rouen, ca. 1725
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Diam. 21 5/8 in. (55 cm)
Cat. 33
© The Frick Collection -
Plate
Rouen, ca. 1725
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Diam. 9 5/8 in. (24.5 cm)
Cat. 34
© The Frick Collection -
Covered Vase
Rouen, ca. 1725
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 12 in. (31.5 cm), W. 9 1/2 in. (24 cm)
Cat. 35
© Christophe Perlès -
Plate with Coat-of-Arms of the Marquis de Saint-Evremont
Rouen, ca. 1725
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Diam. 9 1/2 in. (24 cm)
Cat. 36
© The Frick Collection -
Anthropomorphic Pitcher
Rouen, ca. 1730
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 15 7/8 in. (40.3 cm), W. 6 in. (15.2 cm)
Cat. 38
© Christophe Perlès -
Wall Bracket
Rouen, ca. 1740−50
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 12 1/2 in. (32 cm), W. 12 in. (30.5 cm)
Cat. 46
© Christophe PerlèsThis bracket is one of the most accomplished pieces made in Rouen in the exuberant rocaille style fashionable in France about 1730–50. The style was inspired by nature, especially shells, and the composition was typically asymmetrical. The central scene here depicts the beginning of a famous licentious tale by Jean de la Fontaine (1621−95) in which a flighty husband seduces a pretty serving girl as she is gathering flowers in his garden, while a neighbor observes the scene from her window. The Rouen potter closely followed a print made in the early 1740s by Nicolas de Larmessin after a painting by Nicolas Lancret, The Servant Justified, now at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
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Covered Puzzle Vase
Rouen, ca. 1740
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 12 in. (30.5 cm), W. 7 1/4 in. (18.4 cm)
Cat. 44
© Christophe PerlèsA puzzle jug — with its typical perforated neck here in the shape of flowers — was technically challenging to make as it was designed so as not to spill its contents through the holes. This covered example is particularly charming, with a surprise rooster placed inside.
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Tazza
Rouen, ca. 1730
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 6 1/4 in. (15.8 cm), diam. 11 5/8 in. (29.5 cm)
Cat. 39
© The Frick Collection -
Tray
Rouen, ca. 1730−40
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 18 in. (46 cm), W. 22 3/4 in. (58 cm)
Cat. 40
© The Frick Collection -
Plate
Rouen, ca. 1730−40
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Diam. 9 3/4 in. (24.6 cm)
Cat. 42
© Christophe Perlès -
Platter
Rouen, 1738
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Diam. 22 1/2 in. (57 cm)
Marks: on the reverse, 1738
Cat. 43
© The Frick Collection -
Platter
Moustiers, ca. 1700−20
Clérissy manufactory
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 20 in. (50.8 cm), W. 24 3/4 in. (63 cm)
Cat. 49
© Christophe Perlès -
Ewer
Moustiers, ca. 1700−25
Clérissy manufactory
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 10 3/8 in. (26.5 cm), W. 9 1/2 (24.1 cm)
Cat. 50
© Christophe Perlès -
Platter
Moustiers, ca. 1730−40
Clérissy manufactory
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 12 1/4 in. (31.1 cm), W. 16 7/8 in. (43 cm)
Cat. 51
© The Frick Collection -
Plate
Moustiers, ca. 1730−40
Clérissy manufactory
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Diam. 9 7/8 in. (25.2 cm)
Cat. 52
© Christophe Perlès -
Bowl on Foot
Moustiers, ca. 1740
Clérissy manufactory
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Diam. 10 3/4 in. (27.3 cm)
Cat. 53
© Christophe Perlès -
Tray with Coat-of-Arms of the Deschamps and Constant Families
Moustiers, ca. 1750
Clérissy manufactory
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 7 in. (17.8 cm), W. 9 5/8 in. (24.5 cm)
Cat. 54
© Beylard, Ferrier and Lewandowski -
Wall Fountain with Basin
Moustiers, ca. 1750
Olérys and Laugier manufactory
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Fountain H. 27 in. (69 cm), W. 10 in. (25.4 cm); Basin W. 19 1/2 in. (50 cm), D. 13 1/2 in. (34.3 cm)
Marks: on the reverse, interlaced, S.OL
Cat. 55
© Christophe Perlès -
Platter
Moustiers, ca. 1750
Olérys and Laugier manufactory
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 13 in. (33 cm), W. 18 7/8 in. (48 cm)
Marks: on the reverse, interlaced, S.OL
Cat. 56
© Christophe Perlès -
Plate
Moustiers, ca. 1750
Olérys and Laugier manufactory
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Diam. 13 1/2 in. (34.3 cm)
Marks: on the reverse, interlaced, OL
Cat. 57
© Christophe Perlès -
Sugar Caster
Moustiers, ca. 1750
Olérys and Laugier manufactory
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 9 7/8 in. (25 cm), W. 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm)
Cat. 58
© The Frick Collection -
Platter
Moustiers, ca. 1750
Olérys and Laugier manufactory
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 10 1/2 in. (26.7 cm), W. 14 7/8 in. (37.7 cm)
Marks: on the reverse, interlaced, OL, SC, and F
Cat. 59
© Christophe Perlès -
Covered Pitcher and Basin
Moustiers, ca. 1760
Féraud manufactory
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Basin H. 11 in. (23 cm), W. 14 in. (36 cm)
Pitcher H. 9 3/4 in. (25 cm), W. 7 in. (17.8 cm)
Cat. 60
© The Frick Collection -
Powder Box
Attributed to Marseille, ca. 1720−30
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 4 in. (10.2 cm), Diam. 6 in. (15.2 cm)
Cat. 61
© Beylard, Ferrier and Lewandowski -
Fruit Dish
Marseille, ca. 1720
Leroy manufactory
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Diam. 8 3/8 in. (21.2 cm)
Cat. 62
© Christophe Perlès -
Platter
Marseille, ca. 1720−30
Leroy manufactory
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 13 in. (33 cm), W. 17 3/8 in. (44 cm)
Cat. 63
© The Frick Collection -
Plate
Marseille, ca. 1725−30
Leroy manufactory
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Diam. 9 5/6 in. (24.5 cm)
Cat. 64
© Christophe Perlès -
Plate
Marseille, ca. 1725−30
Attributed to the Leroy manufactory
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Diam. 9 in. (23 cm)
Cat. 65
© Christophe Perlès -
Platter
Marseille or Moustiers, ca. 1730
If Marseille, attributed to the Leroy manufactory
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Diam. 13 3/8 in. (34 cm)
Cat. 66
© Christophe Perlès -
Platter
Marseille, ca. 1730−40
Fauchier manufactory
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 12 in. (30.5 cm), W. 16 in. (41 cm)
Cat. 67
© The Frick Collection -
Boat-Shaped Spice Box
Attributed to Marseille, ca. 1750
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm), L. 6 1/4 in. (16 cm)
Marks: on the reverse, on either sides of the rudder, I and P
Cat. 68
© Beylard, Ferrier and Lewandowski -
Dish
Montpellier, ca. 1730
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 16 1/2 in. (42 cm), W. 23 3/4 in. (60.4 cm)
Cat. 48
© Christophe Perlès -
Platter
Montpellier, ca. 1730
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 16 1/2 in. (42 cm), W. 21 in. (53.5 cm)
Cat. 47
© Christophe Perlès -
Platter
Lyon, ca. 1750−72
Attributed to the de la Borne Feuillée (The Leafy Bollard) manufactory
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 12 in. (30.5 cm), W. 17 1/8 in. (43.5 cm)
Cat. 72
© Christophe Perlès -
Platter
Lyon, ca. 1740−50
Attributed to the P. Mongis manufactory
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 11 in. (28 cm), W. 15 1/8 in. (38.5 cm)
Cat. 71
© Christophe Perlès -
Tray
Sinceny, ca. 1740−50
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 13 in. (33 cm), W. 19 7/8 in. (50.5 cm)
Cat. 69
© Christophe Perlès -
Platter
Sinceny, ca. 1750
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Diam. 17 1/8 in. (43.5 cm)
Cat. 70
© Christophe Perlès -
Plate
Moulins, ca. 1760
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Diam. 9 5/8 in. (24.5 cm)
Cat. 73
© Christophe Perlès -
Plate
Moulins, ca. 1760
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
Diam. 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm)
Cat. 74
© Christophe Perlès -
Puzzle Jug
Moulins, ca. 1760
Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)
H. 8 1/2 in. (21.5 cm), W. 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm)
Cat. 75
© Christophe Perlès