SALE Antique Hand Painted T&V (Limoges) Figural Landscape 9 1/4" Plate, Traveling French Musicians in Countryside, 1892-1907, Artist-Signed

Antiques : European Porcelain And Ceramics : Limoges

 
Such an unusual and rare scenic composition! This wonderful plate has a quality that reminds one of Quimper-style folk art, but less symbolic in the approach to color and forms - in this example, there is a more subtle and subdued palette (steel grey, charcoal, midnight blue, and rosy red). Also, there is greater detailing, as well as more attention to creating a complete scene. The figures dominate the landscape of wispy clouds, a distant & misty country church, low, faraway hills, and foreground bushes & grass. Soft shades of slate-blue, charcoal, pale sage and moss, beige and light tawny brown have been applied with a light brush and in an impressionistic style.

The two country musicians play traditional Breton instruments, typical for village celebrations (country dances and church festivals). One person is dressed in a smock/tunic and scarf headdress and plays a biniou which was a bagpipe (here, the chanter and drone hang down) that changed little over the centuries - a similar one is depicted in the 14th Century Luttrell Psalter. The other figure is dressed in cloak, short 'balloon' pants & leggings and a broad brimmed, pointed hat and seems to be playing a bombard (a kind of recorder with a reed, related to the oboe). The bombard generally accompanied the bagpipe or in country bands - it is still traditional to have the biniou and bombard play duets at weddings. All and all, I would imagine that this plate was decorated for a local (Breton or French) audience, not for export - just a guess...

This unique and very charming 9 1/4" plate is in very good condition with no chips, nicks, cracks or hairlines. There is no loss of the gold paste scrollwork, but there is some darkening - primarily where the paint of the lovely sky blue border touches it. The green underglaze "T&V France" mark (Gaston's Tressemann & Vogt, Mark 5a) dates to 1892-1907. The artist's signature looks like Nenlley, with the initials faded at bottom - possibly "G. H." or perhaps, "G_tt". I believe that Nenlley is a French-derived name - there were French immigrants with the name 'Nennly' on ship passenger lists in the 19th century...Thanks for spending time browsing in my shop!

Item ID: RL3175
----------------------------
Within the USA, shipping is determined after checkout and insurance is $5.50 USD.
Worldwide, shipping and insurance are determined after checkout.

--------------------
~ Layaways Are Always Welcome! I am happy to combine shipping costs & to consider discounts. To receive announcements on sales & special discounts, please click on the Subscribe button.