Early 20th Century French Onnaing Barbotine Camille Pelletan Pitcher

$475

About

Whimsical and historically engaging, this antique barbotine pitcher portrays French politician and journalist Camille Pelletan. Crafted in Northern France circa 1910 by the Onnaing Faïencerie, the sculptural majolica vessel depicts Pelletan seated above a plaque inscribed “Réforme Urgente,” meaning “Urgent Reform.”

The figure is modeled with the exaggerated features and humorous expression characteristic of Onnaing’s satirical character wares. His clothing and the integrated rear handle are hand-painted in soft shades of pale green, cream, beige, brown, and black. Deeply molded details define the face, hair, garments, and lettered base, while the glossy glaze enhances the pitcher’s appealing coloration.

Camille Pelletan (1846–1915) was a French journalist and politician who served as Minister of the Navy from 1902 to 1905. His distinctive appearance and political prominence made him a recognizable subject for this playful figural design.

The underside is impressed with model number “741.” The same pitcher is illustrated on page 81 of Maryse Bottero’s reference book Pichets en Barbotine. Founded in 1821, the Onnaing factory became celebrated for its imaginative majolica pitchers and historical character figures. The pitcher is in excellent condition commensurate with age and use.

Dimensions: 7.25″ W x 4.75″ D x 11″ H.

Additional information