Deck the #Influencer at Galerie Vauclair, from September 16 to October 21, 2023, as part of the 16th Parcours de la Céramique

To kick off the season, Galerie Vauclair celebrates the work of Théodore Deck (1823-1891) and his influence on the world of ceramics. The exhibition, titled Théodore Deck the #Influencer, opens on September 19 as part of the 16th edition of Parcours de la Céramique and runs until October 21, 2023. This year, the artist’s bicentenary is being celebrated at the Musée Théodore Deck in Guebwiller, his hometown in the Florival Valley, Alsace. Naturally, Galerie Vauclair pays tribute to him, as it has been passionately researching 19th-century artistic ceramics for thirty years and is also celebrating the 20th anniversary of its boutique at Carré Rive Gauche.

At the heart of this retrospective is a striking blue vase, measuring one meter in height, acquired years ago by Laurence and Denis Vauclair-Rouquette. The two antique dealers had a strong intuition that they had discovered a unique piece. Laurence Vauclair, an active member of the Chambre Nationale des Experts (CNE), reignited her research to uncover its origins.

This vase is rich in influences: the black arabesque motifs on its neck and body echo the engravings of Adalbert de Beaumont and reveal a taste for Orientalism. The decoration features a tavern scene and a grotesque face in the style of David Teniers, and the piece bears not one but two signatures of Gustave Doré. However, this vase primarily reflects the influence of Théodore Deck, with its Persian bottle shape and iconic turquoise blue background.

This exhibition is an opportunity to honor the artist, a star of the exhibitions at the Union Centrale des Arts Décoratifs and the Universal Exhibitions of London and Paris (1862, 1867, and 1878). Théodore Deck’s technical and stylistic innovations, including his famous turquoise blue and copper red, were the subject of parallel research in major manufactories such as Sèvres and Minton in Stoke-on-Trent.

Violet, celadon, turquoise blue, copper red, gold background—Théodore Deck was a master colorist whose work was carried on by numerous artists such as Optat Milet, Léon Parvillée, and Ernest Chaplet, as well as manufactories like Sarreguemines, Longwy, and Jules Vieillard & Cie. Deck’s many collaborations further contributed to the widespread influence of his distinctive style.