Platter with crocodile, snake, and lizard

Art Historical Context

This striking glazed earthenware platter, created by the School of Paris around 1870–1880, showcases the vibrant tradition of French decorative ceramics during the late nineteenth century. Measuring just over seventeen inches wide, the shallow dish features a dynamic composition of a crocodile, snake, and lizard rendered in rich, glossy glazes. These reptilian motifs reflect the era’s growing fascination with natural history and exotic subjects, often inspired by scientific illustrations and colonial explorations. As a work of pottery classified within European Sculpture and Decorative Arts, the piece highlights the technical mastery of earthenware production. Artisans applied colored glazes to create both visual depth and tactile interest, transforming a functional serving dish into an artistic statement. The School of Paris approach blended traditional ceramic methods with imaginative design, appealing to collectors who valued both utility and ornament. Generously gifted to the Metropolitan Museum of Art by Wallis Katz in memory of Marshall Katz, this platter now forms part of the museum’s celebration of its 150th anniversary, inviting visitors to appreciate the lively intersection of nature, craft, and French artistic heritage.