New York: « Masterpieces of French Faience », on display at the Frick Collection

In keeping with its success, the exhibition Masterpieces of French Faience pursues its journey through time, until the 22 September 2019. In the Portico Gallery of the museum, facing the superb magnolias of Fifth Avenue, it pays homage to French faïence by presenting 75 priceless ceramics showcasing the story of French know-how going back to the 16th century.

Masterpieces of Faience at the Frick Collection

Lent by collector of Sidney Knafel, the plates, formal dishes, pots, jars, ewers and other table setting objects were gathered during a period of 50 years, stemming from local regional d'aristocraties. These exceptional and rare pieces in terms of shapes and the quality of their sketches, with no breaks or cracks, can be appreciated in good conditions.

A small magnifying glass is useful to perceive the details of these 16th century jars and ewers. © Michael Bodycomb

Each drawing featured on these Nevers dishes, from the 17th century, recalls the story of harvests or nature. © Michael Bodycomb

A typical artistic style

The cultural itinerary started in Lyon, where the Italian artists from the town of Faenza imported this technique, before moving to Nevers, then in Rouen and Marseille. To offer more proximity and conviviality, the Frick Collection did not place the works in window displays. A terrific opportunity to actually reach out, on the other side of the Atlantic, and rediscover a style that has become typically French.

Created in Rouen, this platter dating back to 1730 is a testimony of the infatuation for Asia at the time. © Michael Bodycomb