Late 19th Century French Gien Renaissance Faience Decorative Plate

Details

Description

A striking late 19th-century French Gien Renaissance faience plate, likely circa 1899 , featuring the manufacture's elaborate Renaissance Revival decoration … Read more A striking late 19th-century French Gien Renaissance faience plate, likely circa 1899 , featuring the manufacture's elaborate Renaissance Revival decoration inspired by Italian Renaissance ceramics. Late 19th-century French Gien Renaissance faience plate, likely circa 1899

The plate centers on a black-and-white classical figural medallion framed by ornate scrolling cartouches in deep cobalt blue, green and warm ochre. Surrounding motifs include fantastical dolphins or sea creatures, jeweled grotesques and stylized ornaments, all enclosed by an intricate cobalt blue floral border.

This type of richly detailed decoration is associated with Gien's celebrated Italian Renaissance or Renaissance pattern, which drew inspiration from Renaissance-era ceramics of Urbino and related Italian centers. Period Gien pieces employing the pattern feature classical figures, mythical creatures, grotesques, chimera and scrolling ornament in a similar saturated palette.

The reverse bears a Gien manufacture mark as well as additional painted and impressed marks. Two small original pierced holes near the foot rim allow the plate to be displayed on a wall.

A particularly decorative example of French Renaissance Revival faience, beautiful displayed individually on a stand or incorporated into a collection of antique French pottery and majolica.

Dimensions:
10 1/8" diameter × 7/8" deep

Maker: Gien
Origin: France
Period: Late 19th century
Material: Glazed faience / earthenware
Style: French Renaissance Revival, Italian Renaissance See less