Plate
Alsatian-born Théodore Deck began his career as a ceramicist in an earthenware stove factory in Strasbourg. In 1851, he settled in Paris and opened his own workshop.
Deck tried to rediscover the manufacturing and decorating techniques of the old factories. He copied and interpreted Saint Porchaire ceramics, Iznik earthenware and Italian majolica Eclectic by temperament and by training, Deck also demonstrated his qualities as an inventor and discoverer. He succeeded in creating a turquoise blue known as “Deck blue” and perfected a technique for creating gold backgrounds which won him a Grand Prize at the Universal Exhibition in 1878.
His growing fame culminated in his appointment as head of the Sèvres porcelain factory in 1887. Deck collaborated on many occasions with painters and sculptors, notably Albert Anker, Raphaël Collin and François Ehrmann who provided the design for this plate. Ehrmann drew much of his inspiration for this neo-Renaissance pastiche from majolica wares created in Castel Durante around 1530. Even the wooden frame fits in with the 19th century conception of the way in which majolica was displayed.
