Circa 1880, enamels on large earthenware plaque, signed "C. F. Hürten," finely painted with a tabletop still life incorporating translucent grapes, a plump peach, stoneware jar and a ripe melon on an architectural stone ledge.

15.25 x 26.125 in.

Although unmarked, this plaque was likely executed at Hürten's private studio at the Copeland Factory in Stoke-on-Trent. Originally trained in Cologne, Hürten was working in Paris where his work for Sévres and other decorating firms attracted the attention of Alderman Copeland. He agreed to move to Staffordshire in 1859 and remained in the employ of the Copeland family until circa 1897.

Hürten's work was exhibited frequently and the Victoria & Albert Museum acquired a vase painted by him for their permanent collection from the London International Exhibition of 1862. The following year, the Prince of Wales commissioned a tea and dessert service decorated by Hürten on the occasion of his marriage to Princess Alexandra.

Some flaking and chipping to edges of plaque; some scattered glaze loss to surface; allover crazing.

$6,000 - 9,000