Large 18th Century French Hand Painted Blue and White Delft Charger or Decorative Plate

Details

Description

A fine 18th Century French blue and white Delft style decorative plate or charger,
Large Moustier faïence,
Signed French Delft … Read more A fine 18th Century French blue and white Delft style decorative plate or charger,
Large Moustier faïence,
Signed French Delft Charger.

This beautiful antique plate is hand-crafted, hand-painted faience from Moustiers (France) decorated in blue camaieu, in a circular reserve composed of circles and volutes, a scene of hunting (au bouquetin), inspired by the scenery of Antonio Tempesta. On the wing, double net and lace frieze.

Signed C.V., of the Clerissy workshop
Measures: 60" Diameter x 60" High

Significance about Moustier faïence chargers:

Moustiers faïence chargers adorned with scenes inspired by Antonio Tempesta represent a remarkable fusion of Italian Renaissance artistry and French ceramic craftsmanship. These tin-glazed earthenware pieces, produced primarily in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, showcase the influence of Tempesta's dynamic engravings on French decorative arts.

Antonio Tempesta's Influence

Antonio Tempesta (1555–1630) was an Italian painter and engraver renowned for his intricate depictions of battles, hunts, and mythological scenes. His engravings, widely circulated across Europe, became a significant source of inspiration for Moustiers artisans. The Clérissy family, prominent faïenciers in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, frequently incorporated Tempesta's hunting scenes into their charger designs. These scenes often featured elaborate compositions with hunters, exotic animals, and dynamic landscapes, rendered in monochromatic blue on a white background .

Artistic and Cultural Significance

The adaptation of Tempesta's engravings into faïence chargers served both aesthetic and symbolic purposes. Hunting scenes were emblematic of aristocratic leisure and power, making such pieces desirable among the French nobility. The chargers not only demonstrated the technical prowess of Moustiers artisans but also reflected the cultural exchange between Italy and France during the Baroque period . See less