Grotto with owl, snake, and lizard

Charles-Jean Avisseau

ca. 1850–1855 · Glazed earthenware · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Though he devoted much of his career rediscovering the ceramic techniques of Bernard Palissy (1510-ca.1590), Charles-Jean Avisseau invented new forms inspired by the Renaissance artist. This incredibly ambitious grotto demonstrates Avisseau’s abilities as a modeler of complex forms. Beyond the central drama taking place between the owl and the snake attacking the owlets, he manages to hide a frog, salamander, snail, and lizard in the same grotto.

Artist

Charles-Jean Avisseau

Date

ca. 1850–1855

Medium

Glazed earthenware

Culture

French

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Wallis Katz, in memory of Marshall Katz, and in celebration of the Museum's 150th anniversary, 2020