Antique French Choisy Native American Florida Scene Creamware Plate Atala Black Transferware

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Early 19th-century French creamware plate produced by the Choisy-le-Roi manufactory, featuring a black transfer-printed scene titled “Le Père Aubry donne … Read more Early 19th-century French creamware plate produced by the Choisy-le-Roi manufactory, featuring a black transfer-printed scene titled “Le Père Aubry donne la communion à Atala.” The image depicts a poignant moment from Atala (1801), the influential novella by François-René de Chateaubriand.

The scene shows Atala, a young “half Native American, half European” maiden, receiving her final Holy Communion from Father Aubry, a Catholic missionary, as she lies dying. Bound by a vow of chastity to God, Atala faces a tragic conflict between her forbidden love for Chactas, a full-blooded Natchez Indian, and her religious devotion, culminating in her self-poisoning. The story is set in 17th-century Florida and explores themes of forbidden love and the "noble savage" concept, becoming a sensation in 19th-century Europe.

A delicate frieze of exotic flowers decorates the rim, enhancing the plate’s romantic and narrative qualities. The reverse bears an impressed CHOISY mark. Comparable examples are recorded from circa 1817.

This plate is a fine example of post-Revolutionary French Neoclassical ceramics, reflecting the period’s fascination with literary subjects, moral sentiment, and refined emotion. Ideal for wall display, a china hutch, or antique creamware collection.

Ships fully insured with tracking.

Measurements: 8.5 inches diameter by 7/8" high approximately.
Weight: 8.8 oz (unpacked). See less