French Plate Transferware Rigolades No. 2 - Humorous Military Scene, 19th Century

French Plate Transferware "Rigolades No. 2" - Humorous Military Scene

Rare French earthenware transferware plate from the "Rigolades" (Laughs) series, decorated with a humorous 19th-century military scene. A historical piece that combines social satire, transferware art, and the tradition of French ceramics with a military theme.

Part Characteristics

• Origin: France - 19th-century ceramics
• Brand: "Bte ET Montferrand" (Brevet et Montferrand)
• Series: Rigolades No. 2 (series of humorous scenes)
• Technique: Transferware (intaglio) in black on a cream background.
• Decoration: Satirical military scene with two soldiers.
• Border: Elaborate geometric pattern in black with oval medallions.

The Humorous Scene

The center of the plate features a humorous military scene with two soldiers in 19th-century uniforms standing before a corps de garde. One soldier holds a rifle while conversing with the other, in a composition that evokes everyday military life with a touch of humor.

The French caption surrounds the scene: "C'PORAL VOILA L'H'QUE JE SUIS EN FACTION, FAITES MOI ENFLOC[ER] IMPOSSIBLE LE REMPLACEMENT MILITAIRE EST DEFENDU" (Corporal, here I am on guard duty, have me replaced, impossible, military replacement is forbidden). The text captures a humorous dialogue about the rigid rules of military service.

The Rigolades Series

"Rigolades" (Laughs) was a series of humorous dishes produced in France during the 19th century that satirized various aspects of daily life, including military, domestic, and social scenes. These pieces were popular among the French bourgeoisie, who appreciated visual humor and subtle social criticism.

The number "No. 2" indicates that this is the second scene in the series, suggesting that there were multiple different humorous compositions.

Elaborate Decorative Border

The rim features a sophisticated geometric pattern in black transferware that includes scrolls, arabesques, oval medallions with floral ornaments, diamonds, and a sequence of stars framing the center. This type of elaborate decoration was characteristic of high-quality 19th-century French ceramics.

French Transferware Technique

The transferware or intaglio technique allowed for the reproduction of complex designs with great detail. In this piece, the print quality is remarkable, with fine lines and shading that create depth in the military scene and the border ornaments.

Historical Context

This type of plate was produced during the 19th century, a period of great ceramic production in France, when manufactories such as Creil, Montereau, and others created decorative pieces with varied themes for the domestic and export markets.

About Bte ET Montferrand

The mark "Bte ET Montferrand" (Brevet et Montferrand) indicates a French ceramics manufacturer. "Brevet" means patent, suggesting that the factory had patented processes or designs.

State of Conservation

Antique plate in good condition for its age (over 100 years). The transferware decoration remains well preserved with good definition of the details. Signs of vintage use consistent with its age, which lend authenticity. Minor natural wear on the glaze. A historic collector's item.

A rare piece ideal for collectors of French transferware, for those who appreciate ceramics with military themes, for scholars of 19th-century social history, or as a decorative object with historical and humorous character. A testament to the French tradition of visual satire and the quality of French transferware ceramics.