Greek Independence - rare suite of six polychrome Montereau earthenware plates

Greek Independence - Montereau earthenware, circa 1825: rare suite of six fine earthenware "philhellenic" plates, decorated in grisaille with scenes from the Greek war of independence against the Ottoman Empire between 1821 and 1829.

Popular objects, these plates recall the breadth of the philhellenic movement among the French population of the time, from the most modest households to Chateaubriand and Victor Hugo; the decorations, based on lithographs by Karl Loeillot, glorify Greek victories against Turkish troops and the heroism of Greek women.

The marli is adorned with laurel wreaths bearing the names of Greek combatants (Constantin Canaris, Simon Botzaris) and famous philhellenes (Lord Byron, Colonel Fabvier), alternating with the words "La Croix" and "Liberté", based on a poem by Delphine Gay de Girardin, another personality committed to defending the Greek cause.

The plates all measure 20.5cm in diameter and are marked "LL&T" for Louis Lebeuf et Thibault, the name of the Montereau factory from 1825 to 1833. The decorations are as follows:

- the Greek committee chaired by M. de Chateaubriand
- the women of Missolonghi at the breach
- Marcos Botzaris in the Turkish camp
- Lord Byron at the head of a Greek detachment
- Constantin Canaris on a firebrand
- Greeks receiving the blessing at Missolonghi

The plates are free of accidents, cracks or chips. They show some yellowing here and there and knife scratches.

Lot indivisible. More photos on request. Available for collection in Montpellier, Avignon, Arles, Marseille and surrounding areas, with careful packaging and insurance.

Ref: KNM0VQ2YND