Earthenware of Nevers

The Faïence of Nevers is one of oldest of France.

Characteristics

It is a Faïence by the process of the " large feu" who excludes the final improvements.

The colors are specific: no red nor of black, replaced by orange (yellow obscure) and by the brown one.

The enamel has a glare bluish with 17th and the white pure one with.

History

Center of trade thanks to its position on the the Loire, Nevers produced of ceramics for a long time when, towards the end of the 16th century, the duke Louis IV Gonzague of Nevers, originating in Mantoue in Italy, makes come from Italy the Conrade brothers, who introduce the art of earthenware in Nevers. The raw material (clay and marnes) is on the spot. The wood of the Morvan makes it possible to heat the furnaces. The Loire and the channel of Briare convey the production.

With the XVIIe and XVIIIe century S, the earthenware of Nevers enjoys a great reputation.

the faience manufacturers initially work in an Italian style Polychrome, then add to their production of the Camaïeu X blue.
Créé in 1630 the Persan decoration is declined in three types: blue bottom with white drawing, ocher yellow bottom and the green decoration on white zone. These parts are especially intended for the aristocracy.
the Nivernais decoration appears in 1650, made various drawings in blue on white zone.
the Chinese decoration, primarily in blue on white zone is produced of 1660 to 1760. At the 18th century, earthenware takes a more popular tone with an abundant production of patronymic parts.
Under the Revolution, Nevers carries out many characteristic patriotic earthenware.

Faience manufactures in Nevers

Several dynasties marked Nevers:

Conrade (Conrado) come from the Province of Genoa. Augustin was the first and only faience manufacturer then lost the monopoly and the council of the city had fixed the number of the faience manufactures at eleven. Antoine Conrade being regarded as most talented, the brotherhood had his festival for the Antoine saint.
Bourcier on four generations, come from Charity on the Loire, of which Barthelemy Bourcier (+ in 1676) who was enameller of the Queen Marie de Médicis of 1626 to 1631 and whose Jean son was painter. Barthélémy Bourcier was a large artist in contact with Abaquesne, the large Master rouennais, as well as direct disciples of Bernard Palissy, object perhaps of a cabal and enmity of Richelieu, it is driven out Court in 1632 and returns then in Residents of Nevers
Seguin, parents of Bourcier, the XVII in XVIIIes centuries, gave several faience Masters of which Jean (+ in 1680) and Guillaume (+ in 1714)
Custode, of which Pierre, of Italian origin. Pierre Custode creates in 1630 the factory of " Autruche" , street Saint Genest, it joins Esme Godin and the Custode house will last until approximately 1795. They are Custode which illustrated the best probably Persan decorations with white drawings on intense blue bottom than some called the " Custode" blue;.

The 18th century knows a decline of earthenware to the profit of the Porcelaine. Manufacture continues however and several faience manufacturers are always in activity in Nevers where earthenware finds its noble letters with the revival of the interest of the public and especially of the collectors.

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