A French porcelain pâte-sur-pâte oval plaque made for Eugène Rousseau circa 1860-70

decorated by Marc Louis Solon, signed 'Miles', in white slip on the olive-green ground within a gilt-stippled blue-ground border reserved with stylized leaf motifs, inset within a velvet matting, with a giltwood frame. 2 pieces.

In good condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Marc Louis Solon, whose work is most recognized through his works he made for the Mintons factory, was first hired by the Imperial Manufactory of Sèvres in 1857, where he trained as a pâte-sur-pâte decorator. According to Bernard Bumpus in Pâte-sur-Pâte,The Art of Ceramic Relief Decoration, 1849-1992, p. 52, Eugène Rousseau, a successful dealer in ceramics, glass and art in Paris, and Solon became friendly during Solon's period. Bumpus cites Solon's encounter with Rousseau, ibid. :"One day when we were chatting together about the various decorative schemes he was anxious to bring out, he asked me whether I would not undertake to make for him a few small pieces, vases and plaques, decorated by the new process [pâte-sur-pâte]... All I did under these conditions was signed 'Miles', a name which contained my three initials, M.L.S." Bumpus further notes on p. 53 that "despite Solon's statement that he signed his productions 'Miles', many are unsigned." The present example appears to be one of the few signed pieces.