French Antique Talking Plate
This talking plate has a significant and interesting background. It was produced by Gien and marked the celbration of the Universal Paris Exposition of 1889. (Exposition Universelle de 1889). This exposition was a huge success internationally and remains one of the few world fairs to make a profit. Its central attraction was the Eiffel Tower. The exposition attracted exhibits from Europe, South America, USA and the French colonies. It drew in millions of visitors and highlighted the achievements in architecture, fine arts and new technologies. This was also a time where France celebrated its achievements since the French Revolution, marking the centenary anniversary.
This particular talking plate has its narrative around one of the French colonies, namely Algiers. It showcases sweets from Algiers.
Talking plates or Assiettes Parlantes were a fashion phenomenon of the 19th century. They became highly popular from 1870 to the beginning of World War 1. Development in the production of French transfer ware provided the ability for the transfer process to replicate finely drawn images in detail. They had the capability to produce vast amounts of the plates within a short time frame. Producers of talking plates included Sarrguemines, Gien, Choisy le Roi to name a few. Talking plates could also be referred to as ‘narrative plates’ because they were intended to tell a story. They were pictorial and were usually accompanied by a short description. They were often humorous and the themes were varied with subjects such as military life, hunting, manners, fables, proverbs, popular songs and ceremonial customs such as weddings. Usually made in a series of about 12 plates they depicted daily life. They were historical accounts portraying France in all its glory. Today, these talking plates provide a rich, historical and artistic insight into society of the time.
The plate is in good condition but has some age related discolouring. It measures approximately 20 cms across. On the underside there is a Gien maker’s stamp.
This talking plate has a significant and interesting background. It was produced by Gien and marked the celbration of the Universal Paris Exposition of 1889. (Exposition Universelle de 1889). This exposition was a huge success internationally and remains one of the few world fairs to make a profit. Its central attraction was the Eiffel Tower. The exposition attracted exhibits from Europe, South America, USA and the French colonies. It drew in millions of visitors and highlighted the achievements in architecture, fine arts and new technologies. This was also a time where France celebrated its achievements since the French Revolution, marking the centenary anniversary.
This particular talking plate has its narrative around one of the French colonies, namely Algiers. It showcases sweets from Algiers.
Talking plates or Assiettes Parlantes were a fashion phenomenon of the 19th century. They became highly popular from 1870 to the beginning of World War 1. Development in the production of French transfer ware provided the ability for the transfer process to replicate finely drawn images in detail. They had the capability to produce vast amounts of the plates within a short time frame. Producers of talking plates included Sarrguemines, Gien, Choisy le Roi to name a few. Talking plates could also be referred to as ‘narrative plates’ because they were intended to tell a story. They were pictorial and were usually accompanied by a short description. They were often humorous and the themes were varied with subjects such as military life, hunting, manners, fables, proverbs, popular songs and ceremonial customs such as weddings. Usually made in a series of about 12 plates they depicted daily life. They were historical accounts portraying France in all its glory. Today, these talking plates provide a rich, historical and artistic insight into society of the time.
The plate is in good condition but has some age related discolouring. It measures approximately 20 cms across. On the underside there is a Gien maker’s stamp.
This talking plate has a significant and interesting background. It was produced by Gien and marked the celbration of the Universal Paris Exposition of 1889. (Exposition Universelle de 1889). This exposition was a huge success internationally and remains one of the few world fairs to make a profit. Its central attraction was the Eiffel Tower. The exposition attracted exhibits from Europe, South America, USA and the French colonies. It drew in millions of visitors and highlighted the achievements in architecture, fine arts and new technologies. This was also a time where France celebrated its achievements since the French Revolution, marking the centenary anniversary.
This particular talking plate has its narrative around one of the French colonies, namely Algiers. It showcases sweets from Algiers.
Talking plates or Assiettes Parlantes were a fashion phenomenon of the 19th century. They became highly popular from 1870 to the beginning of World War 1. Development in the production of French transfer ware provided the ability for the transfer process to replicate finely drawn images in detail. They had the capability to produce vast amounts of the plates within a short time frame. Producers of talking plates included Sarrguemines, Gien, Choisy le Roi to name a few. Talking plates could also be referred to as ‘narrative plates’ because they were intended to tell a story. They were pictorial and were usually accompanied by a short description. They were often humorous and the themes were varied with subjects such as military life, hunting, manners, fables, proverbs, popular songs and ceremonial customs such as weddings. Usually made in a series of about 12 plates they depicted daily life. They were historical accounts portraying France in all its glory. Today, these talking plates provide a rich, historical and artistic insight into society of the time.
The plate is in good condition but has some age related discolouring. It measures approximately 20 cms across. On the underside there is a Gien maker’s stamp.
