Victorian Tin-Glazed Platter Palissy Style Trompe l'Oeil 19th Century

Extraordinary Victorian Naturalistic Platter

Behold this remarkable Victorian tin-glazed platter in the manner of the legendary Bernard Palissy (1510-1589), the Renaissance master famous for his naturalistic ceramic creations. This 19th-century homage features spectacular trompe l'oeil decoration with three-dimensional sculptural elements that bring nature's creatures to vivid life.

Spectacular Features

• Oval platter with elaborate trompe l'oeil decoration
• Three-dimensional 'plastic' sculptural elements
• Polychrome hand-painted decoration
• Naturalistic subjects: snakes, fish, frogs, crayfish, insects
• In the manner of Bernard Palissy's Renaissance masterworks
• Length: 44.5 cm
• Origin: England or France
• Period: 19th century

About the Palissy Tradition

Bernard Palissy (1510-1589) was a French Renaissance potter famous for his incredibly lifelike ceramic creations featuring reptiles, fish, and other creatures cast from life. His work was so influential that 'Palissy ware' became a distinct category of ceramics, with 19th-century artisans creating elaborate homages to his naturalistic style. These Victorian interpretations are highly collectible, representing the 19th century's fascination with Renaissance art and natural history.

Artistic Technique

This platter showcases the remarkable skill required to create Palissy-style ceramics. The three-dimensional creatures appear to crawl across the surface, achieved through a combination of mold-making, hand-modeling, and intricate polychrome painting. The tin-glaze technique provides the characteristic lustrous surface that enhances the naturalistic effect.

Condition & Details

📍 Origin: England or France
📅 Period: 19th century, Victorian era
📏 Dimensions: Length 44.5 cm
🎨 Technique: Tin-glazed ceramic with polychrome decoration
🦎 Style: In the manner of Bernard Palissy
🏛️ Location: Artemisia Fine Arts & Antiques Ltd, Malta

A museum-quality piece perfect for collectors of Victorian ceramics, Palissy ware, natural history art, or extraordinary decorative objects.