Jardinière 1748 - 1800

This charming faience Jardinière was crafted by Fidelle Duvivier in the 18th century. Observe the pastoral scenes gracing its sides, echoing the era's fascination with idealized rural life. Within these scenes, the motif of figures in leisurely repose near water emerges—a symbol laden with cultural weight. We see it echoed in classical Roman frescoes, where nymphs and deities find solace by streams. In the Renaissance, this symbol resurfaces in idyllic landscapes, embodying a yearning for a lost Arcadia. Note the recurring gestures and compositions: the reclining figure mirroring ancient river gods, the standing figure reminiscent of Hermes, messenger of the gods, embarking on a journey. Such imagery taps into a deep well of collective memory, conjuring emotions tied to longing, tranquility, and the eternal cycle of nature, revealing how cultural symbols persist, shape, and are reshaped by the subconscious desires of each generation.