Dutch earthenware wall fountain

Wall fountains with a height of almost sixty centimeters are among the largest faience objects produced in Arnhem. The design is fairly simple and for the most symmetrical. The sides and the top of the back panel carry Rococo motifs in relief inspired by German examples. The handle on the cover in the form of a dolphin is often found on such fountains as is the mascaron, the mask spout for the water supply from the tap. The large smooth surface greatly tested the skills of the painter. The quality of the all-over decoration finds its maximum expression here. The enormous weight of the object, especially when filled with water, is such that the round hole in the crest behind the cover was not meant to be a means of suspension for the fountain. It was probably meant to attach the fountain onto a piece of wood belonging to a buffet niche, for instance. The fountain would rest on a richly decorated console or wooden shelf, surmounting a freestanding basin. During the entire 18th century at the time of the Republic, buffet niches were built that were either separate or integrated with the wood panelling.

At present, seven wall fountains made in Arnhem are known to exist, two of which bear the mark of Arnhem in the form of a cock. Two of these fountains have retained their accompanying basins. The study of the earthenware from that factory was just as much a European adventure as the production of faience in the “Arnhemse Fabrique” of Van Kerckhoff had been. It started in 1974 when Hans and Jacobien Ressing, a married couple who were both doctors, purchased from Stodel’s a terrine with cover and underplate at the fair in Delft. In the years that followed the study focused on acquiring knowledge and insight into the ceramic sector in Northwest Europe.

Arnhem faience, like the present fountain, is of outstanding quality and very seldom appears on the market. Production was limited, due to the relative short life span of the factory. Arnhem faience may resemble Dutch Delftware as far as form is concerned, but in reality it is more closely related to German or Eastern French faience. The factory in Arnhem was established in 1759 by Samuel Jacob Hanau and Johan van Kerckhoff. After publications on Dutch Delftware from the Provinces dealing with earthenware from Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Utrecht; five volumes on Delft earthenware; the history of a National Product; and the eight volumes on Frisian earthenware, it is now time for the scrutiny of 18th century earthenware from Arnhem – a true European adventure.

Provenance:

Sotheby’s London 14 July 1998 lot 26.Private collection.

Literature:

Rococo. Rijksmseum Amsterdam, 2001 p. 224 cat nr. 139.

Jacobien Ressing-Wolfert, Hans Ressing, Kristin Duysters. Arnhemse faïence. 1759-1770, een Europees avontuur. Zwolle, 2008. p. 122 ills. 144-145, p. 184 no: 124.