Current Location: In storage
Maker(s)
Production:
Unidentified Nevers factory
Entities
Categories
Description
Tin-glazed earthenware painted in blue, yellow and grey. The bowl is circular with a wavy edge and curved sides, spirally fluted on the outside. It is decorated in the middle with a circular medallion with a border of stylized leaves enclosing a little boy holding a flag, seated on two guns with a drum beside him. On the viewer's left of him there is a trophy comprising a spade, a crozier and a sword, with above the words 'VV /la nation' (Long live the Nation). Round the upper part of the sides there are twelve sprays of foliage and a line which encircles the bowl below the rim. There is a blue P on the reverse.
Notes
History note: Purchased at Caen on 31 March 1894 by Dr J.W.L. Glaisher, FRS, Trinity College
Legal notes
Dr J. W. L. Glaisher Bequest
Acquisition and important dates
Method of acquisition: Bequeathed
(1928-12-07)
by
Glaisher, J. W. L., Dr
Dating
18th Century, Late
French Revolution
Production date:
circa
AD 1795
Note
Faïenciers responded to the French Revolution by producing pottery - particular dishes, plates, and bowls - decorated with patriotic slogans and symbols, known today as faïences patriotiques. Nevers, an important manufacturing centre of faïence since the late sixteenth century, was a major producer. The military character of the central medallion on this bowl, inscribed 'Vive la nation', indicates that it was made after the commencement of the Revolutionary War. The trophy to the left of the boy represents the three estates, clergy, nobility and workers. The slogan had begun to be used instead of 'Vive le roi' (Long live the King) and other cries incorporating le roi, from about 1790-2.
School or Style
faience populaire
People, subjects and objects depicted
Components of the work
Decoration
composed of
high-temperature colours
( blue, yellow, and grey)
Rim
Diameter 31.2 cm
Materials used in production
Tin-glaze
Earthenware
Techniques used in production
Moulding
Tin-glazing
Inscription or legends present
- Text: P
- Location: Under the side
- Method of creation: Painted in blue
- Type: Inscription
References and bibliographic entries
Related exhibitions
Identification numbers
Accession number: C.2329-1928
Primary reference Number: 76718
Old object number: 500
Stable URI
Audit data
Created: Saturday 6 August 2011
Updated: Tuesday 26 August 2025
Last processed: Tuesday 26 August 2025
Associated departments & institutions
Owner or interested party:
The Fitzwilliam Museum
Associated department:
Applied Arts
