Théodore Deck - Glazed Ceramic Dish With Portrait Of A Woman

Small dish made in the Théodore Deck factory with a decor representing a portrait of a woman and signed "P. Helleu' for Paul-César Helleu (1859-1927). This painter made a large number of dish decorations at the beginning of his career for the ceramist between 1884 and 1890. He most often represents women, aged between 20 and 40, of his time belonging to the upper middle class or the aristocracy, symbolizing a certain idea of Parisian elegance. our plate the portrait of one of these women wearing a hat. The role of Théodore Deck within the ceramic production of the second half of the 19th century is quite central. On the one hand because he is one of those who contributed the most to the evolution of ceramics in terms of technique, on the other hand because he knew how to reinvent the styles of the past without falling into pastiche or copying.He draws his inspiration from many sources , creates its own recipes and demonstrates, in each of its his pieces, all his talent as a colorist. An innovative artist, he was repeatedly rewarded at exhibitions, notably by a medal at the Universal Exhibitions of 1862 in London and that of Paris in 1867, or even by a 1st class medal and a diploma of honor at the Exhibitions of the Central Union. of Decorative Arts in 1863 and 1865, he took the helm of the Sèvres factory in 1887, the ultimate recognition of his exceptional talent.