Stylistics and Ornamentalism of French Ceramics of the Period of Historicism on the Example of the Gien Manufactory

Abstract

The purpose of the study. The article provides a comprehensive analysis and systematisation of the artistic and stylistic features of the products of the French ceramic manufactory La Faïencerie de Gien of the Historicist period (1850−1900). The research is aimed at identifying the sources of stylistic borrowings, their characteristic features and specifics of interpretation in the manufactory’s products, as well as establishing the relationship between the pan-European trends of historicism and their implementation in the French faience production of the nineteenth century. Research methodology is based on a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach, including the historical and chronological method, comparative analysis of the comparison of original historical samples and their interpretations in Gien products, and art historical analysis. The systematisation was used in the study to classify the main style trends in the manufactory’s products and to structure the data obtained according to the typological principles of production. Scientific novelty. The study carried out a comprehensive systematisation and classification of the main stylistic trends in the products of the La Faïencerie de Gien manufactory of the period of historicism, which allowed to create a holistic picture of the artistic and stylistic development of production. The peculiarities of the interpretation of historical styles in the products of the manufactory, including technical, artistic and compositional aspects, are studied and characterised in detail, which expands the understanding of the specifics of the work of ceramic production of the period of historicism. The direct connection between the pan-European trends of historicism and their implementation in the French faience production of the nineteenth century on the example of a particular manufactory is established and substantiated. Conclusions. Based on the study, the main stylistic trends in the products of the La Faïencerie de Gien manufactory of the period of historicism were systematised and comprehensively analysed. It has been established that they form two groups: French regional styles and styles borrowed from other regions. The study has confirmed that the period of the highest production heyday of the manufactory (1850−1900) chronologically coincided with the period of mature historicism in French decorative and applied arts. This factor became decisive in the formation of the artistic and stylistic programme of the production, causing a systematic appeal to historical styles as a source of inspiration and creative interpretation. The research has revealed that the manufactory has achieved exceptional success in reproducing the Italian Renaissance style, creating its own recognisable ‘de Gienne’ style.