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* Émile GALLÉ (1846-1904). Rare earthenware anthropomorphic …
See original version (French)
68
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* Émile GALLÉ (1846-1904). Rare earthenware anthropomorphic …
See original version (French)
Estimate €800 - €1,500
Voluntary lot
Description
* Émile GALLÉ (1846-1904).
Rare earthenware anthropomorphic pitcher with polychrome decoration of large fire and small fire on stanniferous enamel, representing Metzetin or Mezzetin of Jacques Callot, grotesque character of the Commedia dell'arte sitting on a drum and playing the mandolin. Polychrome decoration enhanced with gold in the style of Chinese or Japanese Imari porcelain.
Handwritten signature enamelled in the decoration, circa 1880.
H. 23.5 cm.
This collector's item clearly belongs to Gallé's early ceramics, inspired by Jacques Callot, Lorraine, the grotesque theatre and the Commedia dell'arte, as well as to the register of imported porcelain from the commercial port of Imari for its Japanese-style decoration.
Inspired directly by Jacques Callot's Meztetin, Philippe Thiébaut asks us about the subject: "Here, the anthropomorphism of the jug refers to a Lorraine glory who was an important source for Gallé: Jacques Callot (1592-1635). One of the figures in the "Balli si Sfessania", intended for Florence and engraved in Nancy around 1622, can be recognised. The character's extravagant nose and beard, the huge felt hat judiciously used for the pouring spout, the ample souquenille and the mandolin are irresistibly reminiscent of the Metzetin on plate eight of the collection. Along with the Ecole de Nancy jug [...], this is one of the rare examples of a three-dimensional transposition of a Callot subject, which was mainly used for flat decoration. "
Bibliography:
- Tiny Esveld, Art signed Gallé, Private edition, 2013: a jug with the model reproduced p. 40 ;
- Poulain-Le Fur, Important ensemble d'œuvres d'art par Émile Gallé provenant de la succession de Monsieur L. et à Divers, sale Friday 9 April 1999, Drouot Richelieu room 6: a jug with the model (different decoration) reproduced p. 29, lot n°57.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
About the sale
Sale of the Collection of Mr L. & à Divers: Émile GALLÉ earthenware, Majorelle, Saint-Clément, Glassware, Bronzes
Auction location
Auction time
06/10/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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