French Folk Art

Wrought iron candlestick or cellar rat, Normandy, France, early 20th century. Worn but in good and complete condition. Superb piece of folk art.

French Faience Majolica Dinner Bell. Peasant Woman with hands in apron pocket. With working clapper. No chips or other damage.

A porcelain sculpture by Wayne Fischer. Perfect original conditions. Signed. Unique piece. 2022. How can an inert object produce deeply unsuspecting, indecipherable, uncontrollable emotions? Wayne Fischer is an artist who can create works that force one to ask such moving questions as this. If he doesn’t know why, if he can’t explain the deepest reasons of his artistic research, he definitely knows the workings and limitations of the artistic process he invented. He has never deviated from the course he set for himself since university; translate life. The works presented here show the evolution of his creations over the past thirty years. If Wayne Fischer has received several international prizes and quickly obtained the recognition of his peers in ceramics, nevertheless he retains a singular position at once unavoidable and disturbing. His sculptures are paradoxical, powerful and sensual, and cause a certain unease. They are beautiful, carnal, touchable, all the while being outside the standard idea of beauty. The ambiguity of attraction and rejection is at the heart of this evolution. The pieces from the 1980s and 90s are imposing by their size, stature and symmetry, which give them balance. They generate surprise, curiosity and play between contrasts that are both soft and aggressive. They reference the body, muscles, and torso, without presenting an exact reality. They are double-faced, seductive, and enigmatic. Wayne’s shapes are inspired by shells, bivalves, sometimes presented as though they are floating in space. But the reference of the marine world to the mysterious female body has only one interpretation and only history and emotion condition the reaction of the spectator: he accepts or refuses to see, to be seduced. He is touched or he flees. The more recent sculptures are appreciated in the fullness of their round volume and the search for a pure universal beauty. “Metamorphosis,” the work recently awarded by the Bettencourt Foundation, is from this series of pieces wheel- thrown and deformed which pushes the porcelain from the inside so the bulges evoke the movement of waves or the musculature of several bodies. The exactness, the clean breaks, the assurance of lines and valleys are testimony to the interior power that governs the creation. The life energy expressed is also felt by the artist as the origin of ceramics. All the pieces are curved and tense. They show no marking, no sign of the hand, no imprints, and yet give an impression of spontaneity, as if a dropped piece of clay found its form by chance. Depending on the angles, the content becomes “the origins of the world”. Femininity and sensuality are exalted. Inspired by the body, before and after birth, or simply the sea, the parts of the sculpture conjugate around a mysterious interior cavity, secret and troubling. The interior wall doesn’t correspond to the exterior, and has its own volumes, deformities, and intimacy. The pieces present two kinds of interior: one open, and partially uncovered, the other totally hidden inside. The differences of their respective deformation reinforce the impression of life : the subjective representation of muscles and bones, of bulges pushed by an interior force, like a visceral movement of respiration. The surface of the ceramic is crackled but soft and fine, even reflecting light like the skin. The nuances of color reinforce the expression of sensuality. The alignment of technique and what it causes one to see and feel has rarely been so intimately successful. Wayne Fischer perfected his technique in the 1970s and has remained faithful to it. He adds fibers to porcelain clay that has been chosen for its whiteness to create and accentuate volume around empty space, by assembling slabs or thrown pieces. Then, he makes another piece that takes its place inside; both parts are formed with no hand...

A porcelain sculpture by Wayne Fischer. Perfect original conditions. Signed. Unique piece. 2022. How can an inert object produce deeply unsuspecting, indecipherable, uncontrol...

A porcelain sculpture by Wayne Fischer. Perfect original conditions. Signed. Unique piece. 2022. How can an inert object produce deeply unsuspecting, indecipherable, uncontrol...

A porcelain sculpture by Wayne Fischer. Perfect original conditions. Signed. Unique piece. 2022. How can an inert object produce deeply unsuspecting, indecipherable, uncontrollable emotions? Wayne Fischer is an artist who can create works that force one to ask such moving questions as this. If he doesn’t know why, if he can’t explain the deepest reasons of his artistic research, he definitely knows the workings and limitations of the artistic process he invented. He has never deviated from the course he set for himself since university; translate life. The works presented here show the evolution of his creations over the past thirty years. If Wayne Fischer has received several international prizes and quickly obtained the recognition of his peers in ceramics, nevertheless he retains a singular position at once unavoidable and disturbing. His sculptures are paradoxical, powerful and sensual, and cause a certain unease. They are beautiful, carnal, touchable, all the while being outside the standard idea of beauty. The ambiguity of attraction and rejection is at the heart of this evolution. The pieces from the 1980s and 90s are imposing by their size, stature and symmetry, which give them balance. They generate surprise, curiosity and play between contrasts that are both soft and aggressive. They reference the body, muscles, and torso, without presenting an exact reality. They are double-faced, seductive, and enigmatic. Wayne’s shapes are inspired by shells, bivalves, sometimes presented as though they are floating in space. But the reference of the marine world to the mysterious female body has only one interpretation and only history and emotion condition the reaction of the spectator: he accepts or refuses to see, to be seduced. He is touched or he flees. The more recent sculptures are appreciated in the fullness of their round volume and the search for a pure universal beauty. “Metamorphosis,” the work recently awarded by the Bettencourt Foundation, is from this series of pieces wheel- thrown and deformed which pushes the porcelain from the inside so the bulges evoke the movement of waves or the musculature of several bodies. The exactness, the clean breaks, the assurance of lines and valleys are testimony to the interior power that governs the creation. The life energy expressed is also felt by the artist as the origin of ceramics. All the pieces are curved and tense. They show no marking, no sign of the hand, no imprints, and yet give an impression of spontaneity, as if a dropped piece of clay found its form by chance. Depending on the angles, the content becomes “the origins of the world...

A porcelain sculpture by Wayne Fischer. Perfect original conditions. Signed. Unique piece. 2022. How can an inert object produce deeply unsuspecting, indecipherable, uncontrol...

A zoomorphic ceramic sculpture by Pierre Roulot. Perfect original conditions. Signed under the base "Roulot". circa 1950-1960.

This narrative and dynamic lithograph, signed by Scott Leighton, captures a lively moment from rural life in the 19th century. Depicting a vibrant and a...

A ceramic sculpture "Bloc in motion" by Maarten Stuer. This piece can be put indoor or outdoor. Artist monogram under the base. 2020. Unique piece.

Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Rooster. Unique piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.

Figures of Farmworkers, Female by Bernard Labbe (French, active mid-late 20th century) original gouache, watercolor and ink on artist's heavy paper size: 9 x 7.5 inches (sheet overall is 15.75 x 13 inches) condition: very good and ready to be enjoyed, the white margins surrounding the image have some minor marks provenance: the artists atelier/ studio, France (stamped verso) Bernard Labbe (French). The artist was based around the Laval and L'Huisserie, Mayenne, areas in the Pays de Loire. Many items in this collection bear...

A ceramic sculpture "Bloc in motion" by Maarten Stuer. This piece can be put indoor or outdoor. Artist monogram under the base. 2020. Unique piece.

A ceramic pitcher with glaze decoration by Accolay. Perfect original conditions. Signed under the base, Circa 1960-1970.

Folk art walking stick: single cork wood branch. The handle of the stick, a carved corozo nut representing the head of a grotesque man with an oblong face with an open mouth and glas...

Ceramic mask, Vallauris, France, 1960s Custom made pedestal.

A rare pair of decorative wall-mounted ceramic by Alfred Renoleau. Perfect conditions. Each piece is signed, circa 1900.

A ceramic dish with glaze decoration. Perfect original conditions. 1936. Signed and dated under the base "Guillaume 1936".  

Very beautiful medallion painting in pastel on canvas representing the Virgin and Child. Dating from the beginning of the 20th century, 1900. On w...

A big ceramic vase to La Borne. Perfect original conditions. circa 1970. Signed at the base.

17 children's shoe molds from the 19th century, bought in Paris.

Mid 19th Century Velvet and Cloth applique Portrait of a man carrying a large bag. untouched original condition, found in the original straw work ...

Village work by Maurice Mazeilie (French, 1924-2021) watercolor painting on artist paper, unframed signed lower left stamped verso A figure works on the land by traditional vill...

A sensational early 19th century French Chapeau De Gendarme - officer's hat box in leather. Such a nostalgic shape!! A great accent piece for any b...

A ceramic vase by Robert Heraud. Perfect original conditions. Signed under the base. Circa 1970-1980. Unique piece.

“A Louis XVI style lion mask wall clock” This fire gilt bronze Louis XVI style lion mask wall clock was one of the most outstanding masterpieces, which was originally made by Edme-J...

An unique and extraordinary ceramic sink by Michelle Hartmann (Born in 1936) "Michell" . "Les 2 Potiers". Perfect original conditions, circa 1970-...

Watercolor and ink French town buildings over a River by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century) original watercolor and ink on card image size: 7.5 x ...

Chessboard, contemporary design, solid oak & valchromat, XXIst century. Chessboard in solid oak and valchromat, contemporary French cabinetmaking, 21st century. Production time: 4 t...

Wall ceramic dish by Jacques Poussine & Pat Rowland. Two position on the wall. Abstract bird decoration. France, 1970s

Late 19th century, a very rare French antique Wall Pocket vase in faience fine, tin-glazed enamel earthenware, in excellent condition. This piece is entirely hand-painted with the hi...

C1900 French Ceramic Red Squirrel. Unique piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.

This is a soft diptych ink on kyro board beige paper by Chinese and French ink artist T’ang Haywen, signed, circa 1970. It’s been framed with a black frame and anti-UV glass. The dip...

Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Rabbit. Unique piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions. 

Henri STEPHANY ( 1880 - 1934 ) Frequently collaborated with Jacques Emile RUHLMANN "Fruits" circa 1933 Gouache on paper H.19"3/4 x W.18"3/8 H.27...

Ceramic Mask, Accolay, France, 1960s Accolay was a pottery center in France, north of Burgundy, founded amongst others, by 4 students of Alexandre Kostanda. Active between 1945 and 1...

A rare monumental ceramic vase by Daniel Maes. Perfect conditions. Signed and dated at the base, circa 1992.

A true collectors item, this travail de maîtrise/master's work, made in France in the 19th century, dated 1879, a wooden three spoke wheel, mounted on a contemporary iron base, a rar...

Set of 5 Assorted 19th Century Marble Corbels: 1 x Large Green verde Antico Cartouche: Height - 31cm / width 33.5cm / Depth - 6cm at thickest part 2 x Apricot / white marble Corbels...

Fabulous French abstract lion painting found at an antique fair in the South of France. Great color palette of blues, greens and oranges creating this s...

Summer Town Scene by Maurice Mazeilie (French, 1924-2021) watercolor painting on artist paper, unframed signed lower right stamped verso painting: 14.75 inches x 10.75 inches A delightful original painting by the 20th century French Impressionist artist, Maurice Mazeilie. The painting has excellent provenance having come from the artists estate sale in Paris. Mazeilie lived and worked in Montmartre, with a studio on the famous Place du Tertre. His love of the coast led him to also maintain a studio on the Brittany coastline. Born in Clichy, Hauts-de-Seine, Paris in early 1924, Mazeilie painted coastal scenes in Brittany, Parisian landscapes...

Watercolor, gouache and ink French Hill Landscape by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century) original watercolor, gouache and ink on paper Size: 7.8 x 13.75 inches Signed lower r...

Boat pulled up on the beach by Maurice Mazeilie (French, 1924-2021) watercolor painting on artist paper, unframed signed lower right stamped verso painting: 14.7 inches x 10.8...

Pair of rattan decorative winter garden columns with a top pyramidal shape ending with a bronze ball, 1970s.

Sacre Coeur, Montmartre, Paris by Maurice Mazeilie (French, 1924-2021) watercolor painting on artist paper, unframed unsigned stamped verso A boldly painted view with a tree in full summer foliage...

Cut, engraved and gilt panel in lead representing a armed horserider. His armour is highlighted with gilt lines. The ground is also gilt as weel as one flower which come off the styl...

Vibrant street scene by Maurice Mazeilie (French, 1924-2021) watercolor painting on artist paper, unframed signed lower right stamped verso A robustly coloured and lively scene ...

Figures in a Village by Maurice Mazeilie (French, 1924-2021) watercolor painting on artist paper, unframed unsigned stamped verso Gentle composition of a rural village scene wit...

A Summer Day's Sailing by Maurice Mazeilie (French, 1924-2021) watercolor painting on artist paper, unframed unsigned stamped verso A summer feel to this sunny image by a small ...

An old French game, hand painted wood and papier mache with five figure in the windows and a detailed papier mache "tiled" roof. This game makes a charming and curious object.

Charming set of four oil painting on board depicting chickens and roosters of the French city of Rennes. Presented in wood frames and signed ...

Algerian Company Poster - Henri Villain Lithography Print Devambez 1920 Signed Henri Villain 117x79cm Note: a slightly bent corner

Sepia ink and mixed media portrait, the artist's take on the Mona Lisa by Bernard Labbe (French Mid-20th Century) original sepia ink, pencil, gouache, watercolor on paper image si...

Architectural Study of a Grand Stone Archway by Maurice Mazeilie (French, 1924-2021) watercolor painting on artist paper, unframed unsigned sta...

River Seine View, Paris by Maurice Mazeilie (French, 1924-2021) watercolor painting on artist paper, unframed unsigned stamped verso A particularly well painted Parisian view by...

Steps Into The Town, steep stone steps lead figures down amongst town buildings. by Maurice Mazeilie (French, 1924-2021) watercolor painting on artist paper, unframed unsigned to ...

Coastal oil painting mounted to a cobalt blue iron frame. This beautiful painting of a sailboat docked at the base of a cliff would dress up any wall. Measures: 25" D x 39 1/4" W x...

Leonardo Da Vinci Hardcover Book by Patrice Boussel. Discusses Leonardo the man and painter, provides an analysis of his thinking as revealed in his...