Plate with Aphrodite, Cupid and Satyrs

ManufacturedRouen, France

Date19th Century

MediumTin-glazed earthenware (grand feu faience)

DimensionsOverall: 2.8 × 25.6 cm (1 1/8 × 10 1/16 in.)

DescriptionCeramics is known for its capacity to fool the eye of the beholder by imitating other materials. The plate’s ornament emulates the niello technique developed by goldsmiths and silversmiths. Known as décor à l’ocre niellé or “inlaid yellow,” this type of decoration practiced in Rouen from c. 1725-1735 is characterised by delicate arabesques painted in black or blue on an ochre ground with figures – here Aphrodite and cupid flanked by dancing satyrs – rendered in various tones of blue on a central medallion.
Difficult and time consuming to achieve, these wares were usually expensive.

Credit LineThe Pierre Karch and Mariel O'Neill-Karch Collection.

Object numberG12.14.13

Classifications

European Ceramics

Sub-classification

French Earthenware - Faïence

Collections

Status

Not on view