Charming set of three antique French Creil et Montereau 8" cabinet plates, romantic theme with ornate figural & countryside scene borders and figural centers depicting couples in various forms of courting! Some age discoloration on the surfaces, showing their age but that just adds to their decorative appeal in my opinion. They have different figural centers, one entitled "La Promenade", "Le Depart" and "La Musique". The plates have marks are for Leboeuf, Milliet & Company. In 1840, Creil merged with Montereau (Seine et Marne). The company thus becomes "Creil and Montereau Faienceries" under the company name Lebeuf, Milliet & Co (LM & Co), until 1876. The production of the two pottery factories was identical until 1895, the year that the factory in Creil closed after a fire. Production with the brand Creil et Montereau continued until 1920. Faience, or tin-glazed and enameled earthenware, first emerged in France during the sixteenth century, reaching widespread usage among elite patrons during the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, prior to the establishment of soft-paste porcelain factories. Although characterized as more provincial in style than porcelain, French faience was used at the court of Louis XIV as part of elaborate meals and displays, with large-scale vessels incorporated into the Baroque garden designs of Versailles. Earlier examples of French faience attest to the strong influence of maiolica artists from Italy. Later works demonstrate the ways in which cities such as Nevers, Rouen, Lyon, Moustiers, and Marseille developed innovative vessel shapes and decorative motifs prized among collectors throughout Europe. A lovely set of three here and one (pair or grouping) of several that we're adding today and in the weeks ahead. Wonderful decorative accents these, enjoy your Grand Tour style trips but get your lasting souvenirs here with us :). Thanks!
Good to very good condition, age considered. As noted, some discoloration here and there. One with a rim chip visible from the back, another with a hairline near the maker stamp on the back but it does not show on the front of the plate. Crazing to the glaze. See pictures.
