French Mid-Century Decorative Ceramic Plate by Atelier du Grand Chêne (circa 1950s)

French Mid-Century curved ceramic plate hand-painted with a woman's face with short hair, by Atelier du Grand Chêne (circa 1950s). The piece is absolutely charming and has a whiff of Picasso about it - indeed the couple who founded Le Grand Chêne shared the same well known pottery village with the distinguished artist. We believe the face was painted by their son, Jacques Innocenti. The rim of the plate has been folded upwards like the brim of a hat. Signed and stamped on the underside with maker's mark (Large Oak Tree) and 'Vallauris'. It is in very good overall condition. Please enjoy the many photos accompanying listing. 

About the Artists: L'Atelier du Grand Chêne was founded in Vallauris, France in 1948 by the couple, Odette Roche-Gourju (1904-1954) and Ljuba Naumovitch (1898-1955). This small family workshop had been operating with their son, Jacques Innocenti (1926-1958) since 1950. These two painters, trained notably at the Paris Ecole des Arts Décoratifs, turned out to be excellent potters after the war. They set up their pottery near a large oak tree - hence the name 'Le Grand Chêne'. There were never more than five employees including their son, Jacques, who set up his own pottery in 1952. During the 1950s, they produced two distinct types of pottery: production runs of everyday objects decorated on a white background with animals, birds, flowers or women, and one-off pieces where the utilitarian dimension disappeared in favour of sculptural considerations. Their training as painters and their fondness for the work of De Chirico (1888-1978) and Matisse (1869-1964) are evident in plates, dishes and vases with metaphysical decoration. After the death of Odette and Ljuba in a tragic car accident in 1955 between Nice and Antibes, their son Jacques Innocenti took over Le Grand Chêne. Their maker's mark is a stylised oak tree drawn with a brush under the glaze. (Ref: La Céramique Française des Années 50, by Pierre Staudenmeyer). 

Jacques Innocenti (1926-1958) became a prominent figure in the ceramics scene in Vallauris producing pottery and actively engaging with the local community. Influenced by Picasso, he often used Vallauris's red clay and depicted themes like portraits, bathers, and still lifes. His utilitarian pieces gained wide distribution, including at Galeries Lafayette in Paris and Macy's in New York, increasing the demand for his work after his untimely death in 1958.

Dimensions:

H 4.5 cm / 1.8"

W 16 cm / 6.3"

D 18.5 cm / 7.3"