Ontwerp voor bord van het model ‘Square’ met kalkoenen c. 1875 - 1880

Albert-Louis Dammouse made this design for a square plate featuring turkeys using graphite and watercolor on paper. Dammouse was celebrated for his contributions to the French art pottery movement, and was well-versed in the nuances of ceramics, and this design shows his creativity in surface decoration. The texture and absorbent quality of the paper allows the watercolor to create soft, blended effects, ideal for capturing the subtle gradations of the turkeys' feathers and the bucolic landscape. The medium of watercolor lends itself well to the delicate task of designing decorative arts, with soft muted tones that add a painterly quality to the overall composition. The design combines naturalistic imagery with stylized borders, indicative of the Aesthetic movement's blend of art and design. This piece shows that the traditional distinction between fine art and craft is artificial, and Dammouse invites us to appreciate the skill and artistry involved in designing everyday objects.