Gilbert Portanier, large terracotta vase signed and dated 1998

GILBERT PORTANIER

This vase, because of its size, should be in a museum.

Gilbert Portanier was a French ceramist and painter born in Cannes in 1926. After studying architecture, he turned to ceramics in 1949, attracted by the expressive and aesthetic possibilities of the medium. In 1953, he founded his own studio, "Les Archanges", in Vallauris, a renowned centre for artistic ceramics.

Portanier is renowned for his bold, colourful creations, combining geometric shapes and figurative motifs in a vivid palette. His work is characterised by a painterly approach to ceramics, in which he treats each piece like a canvas, exploring a variety of themes such as mythology, imaginary landscapes and scenes from everyday life.

Throughout his career, Portanier has exhibited in numerous galleries and museums around the world and has received several awards for his work. His work can be found in prestigious collections, testifying to his lasting influence on contemporary ceramics. Today, Gilbert Portanier is considered one of the great ceramic masters of the 20th century, celebrated for his artistic innovation and significant contribution to ceramic art.