Pair of large floral porcelain plaques by Mariotte, 1876-1877

Pair of large floral porcelain plaques by Mariotte, 1876-1877
French, 1876-1877
Plaques: Diameter 45.5cm
Frames: Height 74cm, width 74cm
 
This charming pair of porcelain plaques depict complimentary still-life scenes. The first centres around various floral blooms of pleasing pastel shades, that host both a bird and butterfly. The second too features a bird, this time intently watching an insect that rests amongst several vibrant fruits. In both panels, the quality of the painting is superb, with the colours vibrant and eye-catching.
 
The circular plaques are enclosed in ebonised wood frames, mounted with gilt-metal decorative elements. A worn framers’ maker – which indistinctly reads ‘Bray Fortune/Paris’ – can be seen on the back of one of the frames.
 
Each of the plaques is signed in the lower right corner ‘E. Mariotte’, with one dated 1876 and the other 1877. The artist Charles-Ernest Mariotte (1848-1914) was a French painter, who exhibited at the Paris Salon multiple times over the course of his career.
 
Contrasting delicate, painted porcelain with dramatic ebonised wood frames, these elegant panels would be sure to bring the beauty of the natural world into the home.
 
Artist/Maker: Charles-Ernest Mariotte