Jean Mathieu, Maitre Artisan (1924-2009) - La Sfera Squarciata
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€ 30
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Selected by Giulia Couzzi
Master’s in culture and arts innovation, with a decade in 20th-21st century Italian art.
Estimate € 2,000 - € 2,400
 | €30 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €27 | |
| €24 | |
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Jean Mathieu’s hand-signed 1970 black gres sculpture La Sfera Squarciata, 20 cm wide by 14 cm high, in an rare original edition and in good condition.
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Description from the seller
Jean MATHIEU (1924-2009)
French ceramicist and master potter. Active in Vallauris since the 1970s with the workshop "Le Pitop" and later in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (1997-2009), renowned for his excellent production in artistic majolica (faience) entirely hand-molded and hand-decorated
"SPATIAL CONCEPT BEYOND BRUTALISM: The Shattered Sphere by Jean Mathieu – A Unique Museum Collection Piece in Lucio Fontana's Legacy"
Exhibited in France at the 1978 'Nouveau Réalisme' Original directly from the artist.
The main similarity lies in the concept of a hole and a cut applied to three-dimensionality:
In the 1950s and 1960s, Fontana created his famous spheres in ceramic, stoneware, or bronze called "Spatial Concepts" (often known as Nature). They were large globes of clay-like material pierced by deep wounds, cuts, or holes made with hands or wooden poles.
Beyond the surface: Just as with Fontana, the gap in Jean Mathieu's sphere breaks the illusion of sculpture as a “closed block.”
The opening invites the viewer to look into the empty space and the darkness inside the work, transforming emptiness into an integral part of the art.
It is said this sculpture was born in the Vallauris workshop as a philosophical and aesthetic challenge. Jean Mathieu, deeply fascinated by the Fontana’s Nature revolution, aimed to ferry that spatial concept into the heart of French Brutalism. The artist created a perfect sphere only to deliberately brutalize it with a deep gash, opening the material toward the infinity of inner emptiness.
The orange wound running through the work recalls the expressive power of Fontana’s cuts, but here it is more dramatic, material, and volcanic.
The ceramic glaze plates applied to the side seem to seal a cosmic fracture, making this piece a perfect bridge between Italian spatialism and French studio ceramics of the 1970s.
Master potter Jean Mathieu was a key figure in Provençal craftsmanship, known for training in his Vallauris workshop "Le Pitop" major talents of contemporary sculpture, including the renowned artist Marc Piano (1964–2023). Under Mathieu’s guidance, Piano learned the secrets of modeling before evolving toward an avant-garde sculptural style based on mythological figures and chimeras. Today, while Mathieu’s traditional pieces are sought after in the vintage faience market, unique works by Piano enjoy very high valuations in the international design collecting scene.
Technical Sheet for the Bidder
Artist: Jean Mathieu (Atelier Le Pitop / Vallauris)
Object: Brutalist spherical sculpture "Spatial Concept"
Material: High-temperature crackled ceramic stoneware with tactile inserts
Period: 20th Century
Dimensions: Height 14 cm | Width (maximum diameter) 20 cm
Conditions: Excellent. The condition faithfully reflects the artist’s intent: fractures, asymmetries, and the rough appearance are integral and sought-after elements of the piece’s conceptual design.
Signature: Atelier brand stamped on the base.
Includes its cardboard warranty slip.
Seller's Story
With our wide range of unique and selected products, we are committed to offering a shopping experience that combines quality and authenticity. Every item we sell is chosen with care and attention, ensuring that it reflects our high standards and the expectations of our customers.
Our dedication to customer service is one of our strengths. We ensure that every interaction is positive and that every customer feels appreciated and supported. We are always available to solve any problem or provide personalized advice.
Our mission is to continue to grow and improve, maintaining customer satisfaction and the integrity of the products offered at the center of our business. We are proud to be an Italian company that values design, tradition and innovation, offering a shopping experience that is unparalleled.
Translated by Google TranslateJean MATHIEU (1924-2009)
French ceramicist and master potter. Active in Vallauris since the 1970s with the workshop "Le Pitop" and later in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (1997-2009), renowned for his excellent production in artistic majolica (faience) entirely hand-molded and hand-decorated
"SPATIAL CONCEPT BEYOND BRUTALISM: The Shattered Sphere by Jean Mathieu – A Unique Museum Collection Piece in Lucio Fontana's Legacy"
Exhibited in France at the 1978 'Nouveau Réalisme' Original directly from the artist.
The main similarity lies in the concept of a hole and a cut applied to three-dimensionality:
In the 1950s and 1960s, Fontana created his famous spheres in ceramic, stoneware, or bronze called "Spatial Concepts" (often known as Nature). They were large globes of clay-like material pierced by deep wounds, cuts, or holes made with hands or wooden poles.
Beyond the surface: Just as with Fontana, the gap in Jean Mathieu's sphere breaks the illusion of sculpture as a “closed block.”
The opening invites the viewer to look into the empty space and the darkness inside the work, transforming emptiness into an integral part of the art.
It is said this sculpture was born in the Vallauris workshop as a philosophical and aesthetic challenge. Jean Mathieu, deeply fascinated by the Fontana’s Nature revolution, aimed to ferry that spatial concept into the heart of French Brutalism. The artist created a perfect sphere only to deliberately brutalize it with a deep gash, opening the material toward the infinity of inner emptiness.
The orange wound running through the work recalls the expressive power of Fontana’s cuts, but here it is more dramatic, material, and volcanic.
The ceramic glaze plates applied to the side seem to seal a cosmic fracture, making this piece a perfect bridge between Italian spatialism and French studio ceramics of the 1970s.
Master potter Jean Mathieu was a key figure in Provençal craftsmanship, known for training in his Vallauris workshop "Le Pitop" major talents of contemporary sculpture, including the renowned artist Marc Piano (1964–2023). Under Mathieu’s guidance, Piano learned the secrets of modeling before evolving toward an avant-garde sculptural style based on mythological figures and chimeras. Today, while Mathieu’s traditional pieces are sought after in the vintage faience market, unique works by Piano enjoy very high valuations in the international design collecting scene.
Technical Sheet for the Bidder
Artist: Jean Mathieu (Atelier Le Pitop / Vallauris)
Object: Brutalist spherical sculpture "Spatial Concept"
Material: High-temperature crackled ceramic stoneware with tactile inserts
Period: 20th Century
Dimensions: Height 14 cm | Width (maximum diameter) 20 cm
Conditions: Excellent. The condition faithfully reflects the artist’s intent: fractures, asymmetries, and the rough appearance are integral and sought-after elements of the piece’s conceptual design.
Signature: Atelier brand stamped on the base.
Includes its cardboard warranty slip.
Seller's Story
With our wide range of unique and selected products, we are committed to offering a shopping experience that combines quality and authenticity. Every item we sell is chosen with care and attention, ensuring that it reflects our high standards and the expectations of our customers.
Our dedication to customer service is one of our strengths. We ensure that every interaction is positive and that every customer feels appreciated and supported. We are always available to solve any problem or provide personalized advice.
Our mission is to continue to grow and improve, maintaining customer satisfaction and the integrity of the products offered at the center of our business. We are proud to be an Italian company that values design, tradition and innovation, offering a shopping experience that is unparalleled.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1900-2000
Country of origin
France
Style
Modern
Material
Stoneware
Artist
Jean Mathieu, Maitre Artisan (1924-2009)
Title of artwork
La Sfera Squarciata
Signature
Hand signed
Edition
Rare and Original
Year
1970
Colour
Black
Condition
Good condition
Height
14 cm
Width
20 cm
Depth
20 cm
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