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.

D. M.

City of Paris municipal collection's website

City of Paris municipal collection's website

The collections portal can be used to search the collections of Paris’s 14 municipal museums (approximately 336,000 works, including 43,000 belonging to the Petit Palais).

It is also possible to download around 12,000 images of the museum’s works free of charge.

Access the Museums of the City of Paris collections portal
Autre base documentaire

Extern databases

Discover a selection of databases online presenting works from the Petit Palais or documents concerning the history of the museum.