Robert Cloutier And Jean Cloutier, Anthropomorphic Cup, Circa 1960

Robert CLOUTIER (1930-2008) and Jean CLOUTIER (1930-2015)
Anthropomorphic bowl, circa 1960

Modeled and glazed ceramic.
Signed below the base.

Dimensions: L 21 x W 22.5 x D 8 cm

Free-form ceramic bowl featuring a stylized face treated in slight relief. The profile, built by synthetic modeling, highlights the essential features in a deliberately pared-down script.

The surface is enlivened by a glazed decoration of great gestural freedom. A dominant zone in deep blue and nuanced green, applied in broad, flowing strokes, spreads across the upper part, evoking a head of hair or an enveloping movement.

A circular medallion with radiating decoration punctuates the composition, while a more diffuse green disk marks the cheek, introducing a play of graphic counterpoints.

The palette, combining pink, blue and green tones, is distinguished by its subtle variations and painterly treatment.

This work is part of the production of the brothers Robert CLOUTIER and Jean CLOUTIER, active in Vallauris from the mid-1950s. The formal vocabulary (stylized figure, freely painted decoration and circular pattern structuring) corresponds to the models developed in their workshop during this seminal period.

Bibliography:

Patrick Favardin, Les frères Cloutier. Céramistes et sculpteurs, Éditions Norma, Paris, 2014 (reissued. 2017)

Pierre Staudenmeyer, La céramique française des années 50, Éditions Norma, Paris, 2004