Large Majolica Sarreguemines Sculpture of Goddess on Horseback, C. 1930

Founded in 1784, just prior to the French Revolution, Sarraguemines slowly worked its way to becoming one of the preeminent French potteries of the 19th c. and in fact produced most of the original tiles used in the construction of the Paris Metro. Napoleon I was one of its major customers. Sarraguemines unfortunately closed its doors in 2007.

This monumental (17″w x 5″d x 12.5″ht.) majolica piece portrays a goddess riding astride a horse, galloping through foaming waves. The entire piece is decorated with a crackle-effect glaze, craquelé.

The Sarreguemines PV (Portieux Vallerysthal, a production partner of Sarreguemines at the time) backstamp dates to c. 1930.

Designed in an energetic Art Noveau style, this piece is most impressive when viewed straight on and would be very much at home on a credenza or bookshelf.