Plate with arms of the Poterat family

Art Historical Context

This elegant faience plate, crafted around 1710 in Rouen, France, exemplifies the city's renowned tradition of tin-glazed earthenware production Measuring 9½ inches in diameter, it the coat of arms of the prominent Poterat family— makers or patrons of Rouen ceramics—surrounded by vibrant floral motifs. Faience, with its glossy tin glaze, allowed artisans to mimic the sheen of Chinese porcelain while using affordable local clay, making it a staple in affluent European homes during the early 18th century. Rouen's faience workshops flourished in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, producing dishes, tiles, and vases with intricate designs in blue, manganese purple, and yellow tones. The inclusion of a family crest underscores the plate's role as a status symbol, blending heraldry with decorative artistry to celebrate lineage and craftsmanship. Flowers, a perennial motif, add a touch of naturalistic elegance, reflecting the era's Rococo precursors in their lively asymmetry. A generous gift from J. Pierpont Morgan in 1917, this piece now graces the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts collection, offering visitors a glimpse into the refined tastes of French provincial elite.