AN EXHIBITION MASSIVE FRENCH PALISSY STYLE TROMPE L'OEIL PLAQUE

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Sold with the approval of the trustees of the Philadelphia Museum of Art to benefit acquisition funds

AN EXHIBITION MASSIVE FRENCH PALISSY STYLE TROMPE L'OEIL PLAQUE

CIRCA 1876, BY ACHILLE BARBIZET

Details

AN EXHIBITION MASSIVE FRENCH PALISSY STYLE TROMPE L'OEIL PLAQUE
CIRCA 1876, BY ACHILLE BARBIZET
Molded and applied with an underwater scene of fish, jellyfish, crabs and shells (some large cracks)
35 ½ in. (90.2 cm.) high, 46 in. (116.9 cm.) wide, excluding the wooden frame

Literature

S. Burr, Memorial of the International Exhibition, Hartford, Connecticut, 1877, p. 394.
F. Walker, ed. International Exhibition, 1876: Awards and Reports, Group II, Philadelphia, 1878, p. 36.
'Industrial Art: School in Memorial Hall, The Pennsylvania Museum Has Drawn ... by Gift, Loan or Purchase From Centennial Exhibition- Interesting Art Specimens,' Philadelphia Times, Philadelphia, 12 October 1876,

Lot Essay

The present plaque was described at the time of the Centennial Exhibition as follows: "a very large and elaborate wall-piece, representing various marine fish and animals, as cod, urchins, star-fish, etc., is most remarkable as an example of close observation of nature, great dexterity in modeling, and in overcoming the difficulties inherent to potting- in effect perhaps too realistic." Barbizet was also commended for his "admirable modeling and artistic power in design well carried out in potting." See F. Walker, op.cit., p. 36 and 251. An entry in Memorial of the International Exhibition (op.cit.) also declared Mr. Barbizet's work to be "in very high repute," specifically citing the plaque as "a rich aquarium... valued at $800."

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