Platter

About this artwork

This monumental ceramic platter illustrates the interconnectedness of the fine and applied arts in France during the era of radical artistic innovation around 1870. It was created by Félix Bracquemond, a printmaker and designer who was deeply embedded in the Parisian avant-garde. The thickly modeled stoneware form is enameled with an arrestingly bright landscape in yellow, orange, red and green. At the center of the composition a vibrant, craggy mountain rises above an ominously dark waterfall. ...

Art Historical Context

Félix Henri Bracquemond's *Platter* (c. 1874) is a stunning example of late 19th-century French ceramics, blending functionality with artistic flair. Crafted from glazed earthenware and enriched with gilding, this generously sized piece—measuring 50.5 cm in diameter—served as both a practical serving dish and a decorative centerpiece. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Department of Applied Arts of Europe, it exemplifies the era's elevation of everyday objects into fine art. Bracquemond, a pioneering etcher and printmaker closely linked to the Impressionists, was a key figure in the Japonisme movement sweeping Europe. Inspired by Japanese prints and ceramics, he collaborated with the Haviland porcelain factory in Limoges, revolutionizing earthenware production. His innovative glazing techniques created luminous, jewel-like surfaces, while gilding added opulent accents, bridging traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. This platter highlights the cultural exchange between East and West during the Belle Époque, showcasing how artists like Bracquemond transformed ceramics from utilitarian ware into collector's treasures. Its presence in a major museum underscores the growing recognition of applied arts as vital to artistic history.

About the Artist

Félix Henri Bracquemond · 1833–1914

Félix Henri Bracquemond was born in Paris in 1833 and came of age during one of the most transformative periods in French art history. He trained primarily as an engraver and etcher, studying under Joseph Guichard before finding his true calling in printmaking. His technical mastery of etching quickly distinguished him among his contemporaries, and he formed lasting friendships with Édouard Manet,...