Bernard Palissy - Obsession, Faith and Myth

Bernard Palissy was an artist, scientist, inventor and one of the most extraordinary figures in the history of ceramics. Driven by religious faith, a fascination with nature, and an obsession to discover the secret of white enamel, he devoted years to relentless experimentation, sacrificing his fortune, and burning almost everything he owned in pursuit of perfection. In this episode Paul Greenhalgh and Stephanie Rozene uncover the remarkable life of the French Renaissance potter whose distinctive rustic wares transformed European ceramics.

Featured Artwork:

Self Portrait in Faience, Bernard Palissy, 1862

Rustique figuline, attributed to Bernard Palissy, French c.1560, J. Paul Getty Museum.

‘Rustique Figuline’ Dish with a white background, Bernard Palissy, c. 1550, National Ceramic Museum

Maiolica Plate, Italian, ca. 1500, The Met Collection, Public Domain

Bowl, Majolica, Italian, 1480-1500, The V&A Collection

Dish, Bernard Palissy, 17th century, The Met Collection, Public Domain

Plaque depicting Bernard Palissy, Multiple Artists and Makers, 1846, The Met Collection, Public Domain

Pilgrim Flask, Bernard Palissy, 1556-67, The Met Collection, Public Domain

Still-life platter, Bernard Palissy, c. 1550

Dish, Bernard Palissy, c. 1580

Moule, Fragment, 16th century, Musee du Louvre

Grenouille de fontaine, Atelier de Bernard Palissy, 1565-1610, Musee du Louvre

Château de la Bâstie d'Urfé, France, 1550

Henry II, King of France, François Clouet, 1559

Catherine de' Medici, François Clouet, c. 1560

Fontaine en forme de dauphin, 1600-1650, Musee du Louvre

Ewer, Saint Porchaire Ware, c. 1550, The Met Collection, Public Domain

Mould of Palissy Basin, Musee du Louvre

Tazza with cover, Mid 16th century, The Met Collection, Public Domain

La Nourrice, Guillaume Dupré (unconfirmed), c. 1640, The Met Collection, Public Domain

Plate, Manner of Bernard Palissy, Late 19th century, The Met Collection, Public Domain

Platter, Follower of Bernard Palissy, Last Quarter 16th Century, The Met Collection, Public Domain

Platter, Manner of Bernard Palissy, 2nd half of 19th Century, The Met Collection, Public Domain

Round Plate with Lobster, Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, 1889, The Met Collection, Public Domain

Turkey, Bordallo Pinheiro Factory,19th Century

Artichoke Jar, Bordallo Pinheiro Factory

Cabbage Ware, Bordallo Pinheiro Factory

Round Dish with Lobster and Shells, Thomas Victor-Sergent, 1870-80, The Met Collection, Public Domain

Large Basin with Snake, Ferns, and Bark, Charles-Jean Avisseau, C. 1850-55, The Met Collection, Public Domain