Post-Palissian Oval Dish Christ Washing the Feet of Saint Peter

Post-Palissian Oval Dish Christ Washing the Feet of Saint Peter.

France, first half 17^th Century.
36.0 centimetres across, 5.7 centimetres deep.

The scene is from the Gospel of St. John, Chapter 13 where Jesus washes the feet of his disciples:

4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?

7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.

8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.

The image will have been adapted from one of the many versions of this subject such as the engraving Adriaen Collaert of 1598. It is one of the less common designs on Post-Palissian pottery. Another example is in the Metropolitan Museum, New York[i], and another illustrated by Alan Gibbon, Céramiques de Bernard Palissy, Librairie Séguier1986, pp. 102, 103 (as Manerbe 17th Century) apparently in reverse unless the published image is reversed.

Condition:
Repairs to several points at rim edge and edge of foot. Some minor glaze wear and surface scratching.

Provenance:
Rainer Zietz Ltd, London, 2014.
Lambert Sale, Sotheby’s Paris, 12 October 2022, lot 194.

References:
Alan Gibbon, Céramiques de Bernard Palissy, (Librairie Séguier 1986).

[i] https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/201611

Price

£4800.00

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance