Set 12 French antique fine faience cabinet plates c1856-1860, Christian religious theme of morality in action, black transferware w blue border, Gien, France

A stunning complete set of 12 French antique fine faience cabinet plates c1856-1860, 'La Morale en Action' from Gien, France. Featuring an exquisite barbotine molded border and delicate weight of plate body, these are a vanishingly rare surviving complete set. With a Christian religious theme of morality in action, in black transferware with a cornflower blue border. 

Exquisite workmanship and truly historic pieces, they are still beautiful today. Also known as 'assiettes parlantes' (literally 'talking plates') these pieces each have 12 different designs in finely detailed transferware on ironstone faience. A few of the scenes of 'good Christian works' that they purport to show may now seem somewhat suspect ('Converting the savages' in particular, but also the overtly martial quality to the series with 5 pieces having some kind of colonial / warlike / militaristic element). They would have provided conversation pieces, along with religious and moral education for the family, and signaled the family values to visitors to the 19th century French home where they first resided. They are very interesting records from a very different time.

Priced and sold as a complete set of 12 plates.

A few knocks to some pieces, but most in fabulous condition, especially considering their fine weight and great age. These antique plates are wonderfully detailed and rendered in intricate designs of black transferware with a border of cornflower blue, a colour symbolic of the Virgin Mary. Each plate is very detailed with exquisite transferware images, and lovely border design of raised grapes and leaf with the grape vine trailing sweetly around the edge of each plate. 

The central panels of each plate each feature a different scene, as follows:

No. 1 - L'Aumone la Viellesse (Alms and Old Age)

No. 2 - L'Aumonier de Régiment (The Regimental Chaplain)

No. 3 - L'Hospitalté (Hospitality)

No. 4 - La Souer de Charité (The Sister of Charity)

No. 5 - Le Pélerinage du Marin (The Sailor's Pilgrimage)

No. 6 - St Vincent de Paule (Saint Vincent de Paul)

No. 7 - Les Religieux du Mont St Bernard (The Religious of Mont Saint Bernard)

No. 8 - Mort du Brave Bayard (the Death of Brave Bayard - referencing Pierre Bayard an exemplary knight of chivalry and prowess)

No. 9 - L. Archeveque Fenelon Soignant les Pestifirée (L. Archbishop Fénelon Caring for the sick)

No. 10 - Missionaire Convertessant les Sauvages (Missionary Converting the Uncivilized)

No. 11 - Le Curé du Village (The Curate of the Village)

No. 12 - Voeu á la Vierge (Vow to the Virgin)

Dimensions per plate:
Diameter: 20.5cm
Height: 2.3cm

In variable condition - 8 pieces in very good condition with no chips or cracks. 3 pieces with some damage as follows: 

- a small glaze scrape to the outer rim of No. 6 St Vincent de Paul 

- a large chip to the back of the outer rim of No. 9 L. Archeveque Fenelon Soignant les Pestifirée (not visible from the front / display face

- a crack through the rim of 6cm and a chip to the outer rim of No. 8 - Mort du Brave Bayard   

Most pieces look to have been kept for display. Although showing few signs of use, these are obviously not new pieces, so all plates may show signs of age such as scratches and some have small scrapes or fleabites from the outer rims, a few small areas of sepia 'tea stain' discoloration, and age-appropriate crazing. Also manufacturing faults such as glaze inclusions, transfer faults, and glaze skips and pooling.

Truly rare to find a full set of this series, albeit with a few pieces damaged, with the age of 160+ years. Wonderful collectors set for display / cabinet / wall plates. A fabulous historical and rare set for lovers of French faience and transferware!

Please feel free to ask any questions. Many more photographs are available by request, please don't hesitate to ask.
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Notes on shipping -

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I am very happy to combine shipping so please get in touch if you like multiple items in my store.

I always shop around to ensure the best possible packaging and shipping solution for you. Rest assured I will be using all my skills as a former art gallery owner to ensure that this treasure makes its way safely to your home. I have shipped literally hundreds of fragile items to every continent over the past 20 years. Your shipment will be fully insured against loss and damage in transit so you can buy with confidence.