Pair of large still-life circular porcelain plaques by Mariotte

These colourful porcelain plaques are superbly contrasted by dramatic ebonised wood frames, with elegant gilt additions.

The plaques themselves are a highly desirable subject, each depicting vibrant still-life scenes. In one, a bird rests on a protruding branch opposite a large butterfly, with the interaction set amongst pastel blooms. In the other, a bird makes for a resting insect, with this scene set amongst a host of different fruits. The colours of the fruit, plants, and birds are particularly exceptional, with bright yellows and purples set against lush green foliage.

Each panel is signed in the lower right ‘E. Mariotte’, with one signed 1876 and the other 1877. Charles-Ernest Mariotte (1848-1914) was a Parisian porcelain painter, who exhibited multiple times at the Paris Salon during his artistic career.

Each circular panel is ensconced in an ebonised wood frame, mounted with gilt metal details that include a beaded border around the panel. On the back of one of the frames is a worn framers’ mark, which indistinctly reads ‘Bray Fortune/Paris’.

This charming pair would be sure to make a fine addition to the appropriate interior space.

Plaques: Diameter 45.5cm
Frames: Height 74cm, width 74cm