Wall sconce: C.317-1991

Maker(s)

Production: Unidentified Nevers pottery (Probably)

Entities

• Wall sconce

Categories

• Tin-glazed earthenware
• French faïence

Description

Buff earthenware, moulded, tin-glazed on the front, and painted in blue and yellow with manganese-purple outlines. The glaze has run over the edges onto the reverse. Oval with a raised edge and two suspension holes at the top. At the bottom there is a calyx of acanthus foliage with a conical projection below. Rising from the leaves there is a three-quarter length figure of a man in early 17th century costume, holding out his right hand in which there is a deep tumbler to serve as a candle socket. The arm and hand were moulded separately and applied before glazing.

Notes

History note: Christie's London, 5 April 1934, Catalogue of the Collection of English Pottery and Porcelain and Miniatures formed by Mrs. M.L. Clarke Deceased late of Toronto, Canada, p. 7 lot 32; Henry Scipio Reitlinger (d. 1950: The Reitlinger Trust Maidenhead, from which transferred in 1991

Legal notes

H.S. Reitlinger Bequest, 1950; transferred from the Reitlinger Trust, 1991

Acquisition and important dates

Method of acquisition: Bequeathed (1991-04-29) by Reitlinger, Henry Scipio

Dating

17th Century, first half
Circa 1600 CE - 1650 CE

Note

This wall sconce can be compared with different versions in the Musée de la Céramique et Beaux-Arts, Nevers (inv. nos. NF 39, NF 40, and NF 1710), and the Musée national de la Céramique, Sèvres (inv. MNC 6010 and MNC 1713A & B)

School or Style

Baroque