Plate

Art Historical Context

This exquisite 18th-century faience plate, originating from Rouen, France, exemplifies the city's renowned ceramic tradition. Measuring 9 5/8 inches (24.4 cm) in diameter, it is crafted from tin-glazed earthenware—a technique that created a smooth, white surface ideal for vibrant painted decorations. Adorned with a coat of arms and human figures, the plate likely served both practical and ceremonial purposes in affluent households. Rouen emerged as a leading center for faience production in the 17th and 18th centuries, producing wares that rivaled imported Chinese porcelain in elegance and af...