1882 - Acquired by the Musée des Arts et Métiers for 150 francs, directly from Auguste Jean.
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Circular dish with wide rims, in enameled earthenware with metallic blue glaze. The Neo-Renaissance decor unfolds across the entire obverse. In the center, a male portrait in profile, depicted in the style of a Renaissance figure, is framed on the rim by a frieze of grotesques, monstrous creatures, and chimeras, arranged symmetrically and connected by intertwined stylized plants. Two circular medallions contain depictions of musical trophies. Metallic and iridescent effects cover the entire surface of the obverse. The reverse is coated in a white enamel delicately speckled with pink.
Starting in the late 1870s, Auguste Jean developed research into metallization effects, to which he notably dedicated a patent for invention filed in 1877. While this research was primarily implemented in his glass production, the artist also sought to experiment with its possibilities on ceramics. This dish is a particularly remarkable testimony to this: the metallic and iridescent effects are not limited to certain elements of the decor, but here cover the entire obverse, creating a singular surface effect that profoundly renews the appearance of the earthenware, bringing it closer to the look of metal.
Unique in the production of Auguste Jean known to date, this work thus constitutes a particularly precious testimony to the technical research conducted by the artist regarding metallization and its transposition from glassmaking to ceramics.
Acquired in 1882, during the lifetime of Auguste Jean and directly from the artist, for the collections of the Musée des Arts et Métiers (CNAM), this dish further testifies to the interest shown in his research and creations as soon as they were produced.
Condition: Good condition.
Signature: No signature or mark, but two labels present.
