From:Williamson Art Gallery and Museum
Name/TitleDella Robbia Vase
About this objectA Della Robbia red earthenware Cantagalli vase in a bulbous shape with 2 dolphins as loop handles. It is coated in white slip and sgraffito decorated with a lady's head, after Botticelli on one side, and on the reverse a plant/tazza with apples.
It was designed by Marianne de Caluwé, a senior artist at the pottery. She was born in Toxteth and started her career as a freelance sculptor, before marrying Belgian artist Emile de Caluwé in 1876. Together they started a religious statuary business, which merged with Della Robbia Pottery in 1900. Through this merger, Emile and Marianne became the chief sculptors and modellers. Even though her husband died soon after the merger, Marian remained at the pottery until she ultimately sold her shares in 1905, whereafter she struggled financially and passed away in a women's shelter. She left a legacy of impressive work and was one of the most technically accomplished artists at the pottery. She exhibited twice at the Walker Art Gallery between 1891-1910 and was listed separately from the other female 'colourists' as a sculptor and modeller in the employee list.
Even though this piece is not a sculpture it still has classical influences with the depiction of a female head in the style of Botticelli. The reverse however is completely different in style with a William Morris inspired depiction of oak leaves and apples. Therefore, this piece is an epitome of Della Robbia's aims to bring together both Classical Renaissance and Arts and Crafts styles.
It was decorated by Alice Louisa Jones, who joined the pottery in 1903 when she arrived to Wallasey in search of a job. She originally took up painting as a hobby on medical advice but demonstrated potential so she was sent to art classes. She was highly regarded by the pottery owner Harold Rathbone as she was hired instantly and trained in his own personal studio to be a colourist. She frequently exhibited at the Walker Art Gallery's Autumn Exhibitions and had an aptitude for the Art Nouveau style. She finished all of the remaining pots by request of the liquidators, after the pottery shut its doors in 1906. Afterwards, she managed to continue her artistic career in unorthodox ways, for example, becoming a photograph retoucher.
MakerDella Robbia Pottery (active 1894-1906)
Maker Rolemanufacturer
Makerde Caluwé, Marianne
Maker Roledesigner
MakerJones, Alice Louisa (1885-c.late 1970s)
Maker Roledecorator
Date Made1903-1906
Period20th century
Medium and Materialsearthenware
Place MadeBirkenhead, Merseyside
Style and IconographyArts and Crafts
Style and IconographyArt Nouveau
Inscription and Marksmark
D R P M
Ship
332 M de C
Method: inscribed
Position: base
Techniqueearthenware
Measurementsheight: 32.4cm
Subject and Association Keywordsapple
Subject and Association Keywordswoman
Credit LinePurchased from Harold Rathbone, 1922
Object Typevase
Object numberBIKGM.932
Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved
