Five antique faience plates with portraits – France, Sarreguemines (6981)

Width: 22 cm Five antique faience plates with portraits in the Historicism style

A snapshot from the Third Republic era, Edmond de Goncourt: In a quiet study in the Parisian suburb of Auteuil, where the air was filled with the scent of old book pages and the faint aroma of recently extinguished cigars, the afternoon sun slowly glided across the massive oak desk. He laid down his quill, allowing the blotting paper to absorb the ink, and with his fingertips, he gently touched the cool ceramic surface, examining the fine, bluish-grey network of glaze around the meticulously crafted portraits.

Beyond the heavy velvet curtains, the distant, incessant hum of Parisian streets could be heard, but here, amidst the reflections of history, time seemed to stand still. The rim of each individual plate told its own story of heroism and discovery, and he closed his eyes, imagining the same breathtaking atmosphere that once pervaded the grandest battles and halls of scientific discovery of the era, now immortalized in this fragile yet enduring form.

Introduction These five antique faience plates are an exceptional example of historical commemorative ceramics, created by the renowned Sarreguemines manufactory. Each plate serves as a small, tangible history book, celebrating the most distinguished military, political, and scientific figures of the nation with expressive graphics and detailed portraits.

Period of Manufacture Late 19th century, France.

Manufacturer and Signature On the reverse of the plates, a clearly legible, classic Sarreguemines manufactory stamp confirms their authenticity and regional origin.

Depicted Personalities Each dish features a nuanced portrait at its center, surrounded by scenes from their most significant life events:

• Napoléon Bonaparte: Emperor of France, whose central portrait is framed by miniature portraits of his most famous marshals – Lannes, Murat, Masséna, and Ney.

• Louis Pasteur: The eminent scientist and microbiologist, whose plate is adorned with scenes from his laboratory and the historic moment of the administration of the rabies vaccine (“Vaccin de la Rage”).

• Léon Gambetta: A distinguished statesman, whose plate rims depict his role in organizing national defense and his historic balloon flight from Paris to Tours in 1870.

• Maréchal Canrobert: One of the most recognized military leaders of the 19th century, depicted alongside heroic scenes from the Crimean and Italian campaigns (Bataille de l’Alma, Ponte Nuovo di Magenta).

• Paul Déroulède: A writer and politician, a proponent of patriotic ideals, depicted with his famous “Chants du Soldat” and battle scenes.

Application Originally created as patriotic collector’s items and decorative pieces, these plates remain a perfect accent for the wall decor of a classic study, library, or dining room, infusing the space with a deep historical and intellectual atmosphere.

Condition Overall, the items are well-preserved, with beautiful age-related glaze crazing that lends them authentic antique charm. Please note that one of the plates (Maréchal Canrobert) has a small, age-acquired chip on its rim. The condition of the item is fully reflected in the photographs.