Oval basin with lizard, shells, and light blue background 1865 - 1875

This Oval Basin was made in France in the 19th century by Georges Pull, using glazed earthenware. It features a light blue background and is decorated with a lizard, shells, and other naturalistic motifs. The creation of the Oval Basin involves a labor-intensive process. The earthenware is molded and fired, then each detail is meticulously applied and glazed. The textures, colors, and overall form are all shaped by the artist’s skilled hand and the inherent qualities of the clay. Pull was part of a 19th-century revival of interest in Renaissance ceramics. The intense modeling and bright colors align with the aesthetic of the period. But what sets this work apart is the level of naturalistic detail. It is a testament to Pull’s craftsmanship, but also to the broader social context of 19th century France, where there was a growing interest in the natural world and the decorative arts. Ultimately, the Oval Basin blurs the line between fine art and craft, and highlights the importance of materials, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of an artwork.