Groep van twee hagedissen op rots c. 1910

Here we have this charming sculpture, made out of earthenware, featuring two lizards perched on a rock, maybe made by someone at the Tegel- en Fayencefabriek Amphora. I am picturing the person who made this, imagining they found a couple of lizards hanging out on a rock and then had the idea to recreate them in ceramic! Look at the textures, and how the glaze pools in the crevices, emphasizing the contours of the creatures. There is the dotted pattern on one lizard contrasting with the smooth glaze of the other. The tactile qualities of the work invite you to run your fingers over the surface, feeling the subtle variations in texture. I like to imagine the artist carefully applying each dot of paint to mimic the texture of the lizard’s skin. It reminds me of other ceramic artists who have found inspiration in the natural world like Lucie Rie, who found beauty in simple forms and textures. This work feels part of that conversation, where artists are constantly exploring, learning, and responding to the world around them.