Clément Massier – Dante and Beatrice
10 000€
In stock
Clément Massier, Dante and Beatrice, faience with metallic lustre, circa 1900, H. 53 cm × W. 40 cm, signed.
This faience plaque with iridescent reflections, emblematic of Clément Massier’s expertise, depicts Dante and Beatrice in a composition imbued with Symbolist mysticism. At the end of the 19th century, the figure of Dante Alighieri experienced a renewed interest in France, both in literary circles and the visual arts. He embodied the ideal of the visionary poet, serving as a major source of inspiration for artists seeking spiritual and aesthetic elevation.
Clément Massier (1844–1917), a master of art ceramics based in Golfe-Juan, was a pioneer in the revival of artistic faience in France. Heir to a dynasty of ceramists, he developed metallic lustre techniques that give his works a unique iridescent shine. His workshop gained international acclaim, notably at the 1900 Paris Universal Exposition, where his pieces were widely celebrated.
The Massier family, including Delphin and Jérôme Jr., played a fundamental role in the rise of ceramics on the French Riviera, turning Vallauris and Golfe-Juan into artistic hubs favored by collectors and patrons. This work is thus part of a rich tradition, combining technical innovation and Symbolist expression at the crossroads of decorative arts and the aesthetic movements of its time.
