Early 20th Century French Onnaing Barbotine Camille Pelletan Pitcher

$425

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,” or “Urgent Reform.”

The figure is rendered with the exaggerated facial features and humorous expression characteristic of Onnaing’s satirical character wares. His clothing and the integrated rear handle are hand-painted in a soft palette of pale green, cream, beige, brown, and black. Deeply molded details give dimension to the face, hair, garments, and inscribed base, while the glazed surface enhances the pitcher’s lively coloration.

Camille Pelletan (1846–1915) was a prominent French journalist and politician who served as Minister of the Navy from 1902 to 1905. His recognizable appearance and political prominence made him a fitting 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, Onnaing became celebrated for its imaginative majolica pitchers and character figures. The pitcher is in excellent condition commensurate with age and use.

Dimensions: 8″ W x 5″ D x 11.5″ H

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