Skip to Main Content

 Admission is always freeOpen today: 10:00  to 5:00  Directions             Play Artle            

                  -  Visit                      - Visit
                    - Getting Here
                    - Accessibility
                    - Tours, Guides & Maps
                    - Food & Drink
                    - Gallery Shops
                    - Visitor Policies 
                  -  Collection                      - Collection
                    - Highlights
                    - Search the Collection
                    - Artists Search
                    - Acquisition Highlights
                    - Stories 
                  -  Exhibitions                      - Exhibitions
                    - Current
                    - Special Installations
                    - Upcoming
                    - On Tour
                    - Past 
                  -  Calendar                      - Calendar
                    - Films
                    - Performances
                    - Talks
                    - Guided Tours
                    - After Hours
                    - Fun for Kids
                    - Festivals
                    - Workshops 
                  -  Learn                      - Learn
                    - Teachers
                    - Families
                    - Teens
                    - Adults
                    - Learning Resources
                    - Music Programs
                    - Film Programs 
                  -  Conservation                      - Conservation
                    - Projects
                    - Publications
                    - Resources 
                  -  Research                      - Research
                    - The Center
                    - Publications
                    - Make an Appointment
                    - Archives
                    - Library
                    - NGA Online Editions 
                  -  Support                      - Support
                    - Donate Now
                    - National Membership
                    - Circle Membership
                    - Leadership Groups
                    - Planned Giving
                    - Major Giving
                    - Gifts of Art 
                  -  Shop                      - Shop
                    - Books
                    - Jewelry
                    - Apparel & Accessories
                    - Kids
                    - NGA Custom Prints 
                  -  Play Artle

Home>French Renaissance Ceramics

# French Renaissance Ceramics

**Overview**The three objects in this tour are examples of "Saint-Porchaire" ware, one of the rarest and most mysterious of all types of Renaissance ceramics.

**French 16th Century, probably Saint-Porchaire (Deux-Sevres), or Paris region**, *Candlestick*, c. 1547/1559, lead-glazed fine earthenware, 29.5 cm x 16.6 cm, Widener Collection, 1942.9.352

Saint-Porchaire is recognized by its richly patterned layer of colorful paste decoration inlaid into a "clay skin"; its assembly from parts made through a variety of techniques such as molding, wheel-throwing, and hand modeling; and its uniform fine white clay that shrinks little in firing.

**French 16th Century, probably Saint-Porchaire (Deux-Sevres), or Paris region**, *Cup on high foot with the royal arms of France crowned*, c. 1540/1560, lead-glazed fine earthenware, 13.6 x 15.4 cm, Widener Collection, 1942.9.351

Fewer than eighty examples are recorded, and the commonest forms are salt cellars, cups, ewers, and candlesticks, most in distinctive bizarre and fantastic designs. What is known is that a wide variety of techniques was used, the type of clay is found in relatively few places, and these ceramics were probably made by a single workshop.

**French 16th Century, probably Saint-Porchaire (Deux-Sevres)**, *Salt*, c. 1540/1560, lead-glazed fine earthenware, 12 cm, Widener Collection, 1942.9.353

                -   
                -   
                Stay connected
Learn more about our exhibitions, news, programs, and special offers.
Email Address for National Gallery newsletter subscription 
About
- About the National Gallery
- Stories
- Press
- FAQs
- Contact Us

Plan a Visit
- Getting Here
- Accessibility
- Today's Tours
- Food & Drink
- Calendar
- Downloadable Map

Get Involved
- Donate
- Membership
- Volunteer
- Opportunities
- Shop Online

Resources
- Search the Collection
- Conservation
- Library
- Archives
- The Center
- Film Programs
- Music Programs
- Audio/Video
- Open Access Images

Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily

**West Building**6th St and Constitution Ave NW*Enter or exit from Constitution Avenue, 4th Street, or 7th Street. The Madison Drive entrance is currently closed.*

**East Building**4th St and Constitution Ave NW*Enter and exit from 4th Street.*

**Sculpture Garden**7th St and Constitution Ave NW*Enter and exit from 7th Street, Constitution Avenue, or Madison Drive.*

We are closed on December 25 and January 1.

*The National Gallery of Art serves the nation by welcoming all people to explore and experience art, creativity, and our shared humanity.*
-  Twitter 
-  Facebook 
-  Instagram 
-  Pinterest 
-  YouTube 

© 2024 National Gallery of Art   Notices   Terms of Use   Privacy Policy