Rare Antique Lithograph – Italian Faience Aiguière, Rothschild, c.1869

About this sheet

Antique Lithograph of Italian Faience Aiguière, Rothschild Collection, 1869

Large-format antique lithograph depicting an ornate Italian faience aiguière (ewer) in grotesque style, from the collection of Baron Alphonse de Rothschild in Paris. The vessel combines sculptural relief with painted grotesque decoration: a sinuous handle ending in a grotesque mask, animal heads integrated into the body, and a wide frieze of figures and landscapes. The surface is further enriched with delicate arabesques, hybrid creatures, and ornamental borders, showcasing the sophistication of Renaissance ceramic artistry.

This lithograph originates from Henri Delange’s *Recueil de Faïences Italiennes des XVe, XVIe et XVIIe Siècles* (Paris, 1869), one of the most remarkable catalogues of Italian tin-glazed pottery. Delange’s work preserved in print the finest examples of Renaissance maiolica, drawn from major European collections of the 19th century. The grotesque style, inspired by ancient Roman decorations rediscovered in Nero’s Domus Aurea, became a defining aesthetic of Urbino and Faenza workshops, elevating maiolica to the level of fine art.

Condition: Very good, with light age toning and occasional foxing in the margins. Plate mark visible. Strong impression with vivid color lithography. Please examine the image carefully.

Framing tips: This vertically elegant composition is well-suited to a tall frame with a wide ivory or cream mount. A gilt frame will highlight the golden tones, while a dark wood frame will create contrast with the vibrant palette. For a refined presentation, double matting with a fine green or terracotta inner line can echo the Renaissance decorative scheme.

Technique: Color lithograph
Maker: Henri Delange, Paris, 1869