Located in Coral Gables, FL
A wonderful antique French faience rooster figure attributed to Saint-Clément, one of the historic ceramic manufactories of eastern France known for expressive majolica, animal figures, and richly colored decorative earthenware. This sculptural piece depicts a standing rooster with proud upright posture, molded feather detail, and a lively hand-painted palette of golden yellow, warm brown, cream, green, and dark charcoal tones.
The figure has the charm and theatricality typical of French country majolica. The rooster’s chest is modeled with raised feathering, the tail curves upward with dark glazed accents, and the base is finished in deep green, giving the piece both stability and decorative contrast. The glaze has that rich, slightly glossy surface associated with French faience and majolica production, where color and texture were used to bring domestic animal forms to life.
Saint-Clément produced many whimsical and highly collectible animal pieces for the French home, especially during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Roosters are especially symbolic in French decorative arts, connected to rural life, the kitchen, the table, and the French countryside. This piece works beautifully as a collectible object, kitchen accent, shelf piece, or part of a curated group of French faience, majolica, or country house ceramics.
Presented in antique condition consistent with age and use, with natural glaze variation and light wear appropriate to earthenware of this period. A charming and characterful French ceramic rooster...
Category
Early 20th Century French Rustic Animal Sculptures
