Marseille Exhibition Unveils Rare 17th-18th Century Religious Faience

An unprecedented exhibition titled "Faïence et dévotion" at the Musée de Notre-Dame de la Garde in Marseille showcases rare religious faience from the 17th and 18th centuries. Organized by collector and expert Marina Lafon-Borelli for the tricentenary of the Académie des sciences, arts et lettres de Marseille, the show runs until November 22. It features works from museums and private collections, including pieces never before exhibited. The exhibition is divided into two parts: works created before the plague of 1720 and those after, which incorporated religious subjects like the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Central to the display is ceramist Joseph Fauchier, who became a friar and produced devotional objects. The show includes a faience reliquary for the death mask of Sister Anne-Madeleine Rémuzat, a Visitandine nun who promoted the Sacred Heart cult. Also featured are decorative plaques by the Clérissy family workshops, including a depiction of the Sacrifice of Abraham, and works from Moustiers. A highlight is a series of large plaques by Fauchier inspired by the Della Robbia family, depicting saints and a Mater Salvatoris. The exhibition also includes elements from five services made for Polish Archbishop Gabriel Podoski in 1776. A symposium on Art and History will take place on September 12, focusing on Joseph Fauchier.