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Lot Essay
The association of Olérys and Laugier started in 1740. The décor à grotesques is Olérys' most original creation. It was most probably inspired by the fantastic creatures that dominated the famous Bérain décor, which had been the staple of Moustiers faïence during the first two decades of the 18th century. But the décor à grotesques consists of more symmetry and the creatures move along freely on leafy and flowering terraces. These humorous and fabulous creatures which originated from the painter's fantasy are imaginary characters. The Moustiers' craftsmen certainly were inspired by Callot's Commedia dell' Arte, which had been a huge source of inspiration for the grotesques. A classical decor of grotesques is mostly in green or yellow. A camaïeu of blue is rather unusual for this type of decoration.
Olérys had introduced the habit of signing each piece created in the workshop. Alongside the workshop mark, which consists of an interlaced 'O.' and 'L.', the painters were enabled to sign with their own initials.
See L. Julien, L'art de la faïence à Moustiers, Aix-en-Provence, 1991.
B. de Rességuier, Les faïences de Moustiers, Rennes, 1996.
L. and A. Julien, Faïences de Moustiers. Biographies et pièces marquées, Barbentane, 1998.
Olérys had introduced the habit of signing each piece created in the workshop. Alongside the workshop mark, which consists of an interlaced 'O.' and 'L.', the painters were enabled to sign with their own initials.
See L. Julien, L'art de la faïence à Moustiers, Aix-en-Provence, 1991.
B. de Rességuier, Les faïences de Moustiers, Rennes, 1996.
L. and A. Julien, Faïences de Moustiers. Biographies et pièces marquées, Barbentane, 1998.