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Rare and amusing Niderviller earthenware plate, eight-lobed in shape, with an off-center decoration depicting a gardener with his tools on a terrace and the inscription:
"Mazet. So here I am, finally rid of these three cursed women" after a drawing by Fragonard - illustration of a Count de Jean de La Fontaine.
Eighteenth century
Manufactured in Niderviller - Custine period.
Diameter: 24.8 cm
Two small chips on the edge (see photos)
Photos and additional information upon request.
Mazet de Lamporecchio appears in a tale by La Fontaine borrowed from Boccaccio. It was revived in the eighteenth century, with a definite interest at the time in gallant and erotic literature. This marked interest was reflected in the creation of a new edition of La Fontaine's tales, for which Fragonard provided the drawings for the illustrations between 1765 and 1777. Delayed by moral considerations and financial problems, then by the Revolution.
Manuscript of La Fontaine's tales and short stories in verse, illustrated by Fragonard (Lavis) - Location: Paris, Musée du Petit Palais
https://utpictura18.univ-amu.fr/serie/manuscrit-contes-nouvelles-en-vers-fontaine-illustre-fragonard