Thomas Sergent Palissy Trompe l’oeil Crustaceans School of Paris Wall Plaque

An oval platter heaped with trompe l’oeil fish and crustaceans in the center, the raised rim border with a snake, frog, salamander, a snail and other shells on a green leafy ground of ferns and other water plants. A lobster lies on top of a collection of four fish, sitting deep in a bowl. The background is textured to imitate sand and waves and has a watery blue glaze.

Thomas-Victor Sergent (French 1830-1890) developed an enthusiasm for creating “Palissy Ware,” a genre of nineteenth-century ceramics inspired by the work of the Renaissance potter Bernard Palissy (1510 – 1589). He won a bronze medal for his work at the 1878 Universal Exhibition in Paris.

A rare, one of a kind, sculptural piece for the discerning collector.

Measures: 14 in. L x 9.5 in. W x 2.5 in. H – pierced for hanging, and with a new plastic hanging tab.

Signed by hand on the verso, with the impressed initials T.S. for Thomas Sergent.

Condition: Very good with professional restoration to the delicate antenna of the lobster. It is not unusual for a complex piece of this age to have minimal restorations.