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Large basin with snake, ferns, and bark

ca. 1850–1855
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 530
Though Charles-Jean Avisseau is often credited with rediscovering the techniques of Bernard Palissy (ca. 1510-1590), he often surpassed the much simpler forms used by the Renaissance potter. Here, Avisseau creates a microcosm teeming with life on the surface of the ceramic basin, with shells interspersed alongside a snake, a salamander, and a lizard, each colored with a different ceramic glaze.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Large basin with snake, ferns, and bark
  • Maker: Charles-Jean Avisseau (French, Tours 1796–1861 Tours)
  • Date: ca. 1850–1855
  • Culture: French
  • Medium: Glazed earthenware
  • Dimensions: confirmed, irregular oval: 3 3/4 × 25 5/8 × 21 in. (9.5 × 65.1 × 53.3 cm)
  • Classification: Ceramics-Pottery
  • Credit Line: Gift of Wallis Katz, in memory of Marshall Katz, and in celebration of the Museum's 150th anniversary, 2020
  • Object Number: 2020.86.15
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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Grotto with owl, snake, and lizard, Charles-Jean Avisseau French, Glazed earthenware, French
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Charles-Jean Avisseau
ca. 1850–1855
Costume Armor in the Classical Style, Hallé French, Helmet: linen, papier-mâché, bole, gold leaf, graphite; tunic: silk, cotton, metal coils and spangles, metallic yarn, French, Paris
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Helmet includes original paper label of Hallé
ca. 1788–90
Charger, John Bennett American, Painted and glazed earthenware, American
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Torchère figure (one of a pair), Augustin Pajou French, Plaster, carved and gilded wood, French
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Medium oval basin with fish, bark, and fall leaves, Charles-Jean Avisseau French, Glazed earthenware, French
Medium oval basin with fish, bark, and fall leaves
Charles-Jean Avisseau
ca. 1850–1855

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