Antique 19th Century Majolica Palissy Plate by Manuel Mafra

Early 19th century Majolica Palissy wall plate attributed to Portuguese artist Manuel Mafra.

Manuel Mafra (1829-1905), is often regarded as perhaps the pre-eminent Portuguese ceramicist of the 19th Century, and this plate amply demonstrates his exceptional artistic and technical abilities.
The plate shows a violent struggle between a snake and a lizard on a patch of grass, with beetles crawling through it. This was a classic subject which Mafra depicted on many of his works, representing his interpretation of famed 16th Century potter Bernard Palissy's 'figulines rustiques', which often depicted idyllic scenes of pond life.
The animal figures are beautifully rendered and wonderfully detailed, as is typical of Mafra's work. Illegible incised maker's mark on underside along with a large incised '6'. Plate measures 9" in diameter and approximately 4" high.
Plates will be very well packed and insured for shipment.
Check our shop for other majolica items currently available.