The Deserter, Late 18th (a Very Rare Subject), Primitive Earthenware From Burgundy

Dimensions: 33 × 25 cm; weight: 900 g.

An oval piece of folk faience from Nevers or the Auxerre region, dating from the Revolutionary period. Made of thick white earthenware, it is decorated in the center with a young man dressed in the tricolour colours, running at full speed while waving his hat in salute.

Beneath the scene appears the enigmatic motto: “This dish does not go on the fire”, a phrase in the tradition of popular sayings and open to interpretation.

Representations of military disobedience on French pottery are exceptionally rare, especially during a period when devotion to the Fatherland had become a powerful ideal.

The dish has a visible loss to the rim that requires restoration, as clearly shown in the photographs. Apart from this damage, it remains in very good condition, with no cracks or scratches.

A remarkable historical, social and folk-art piece.