Atelier CERENNE RENE NEVEUX VALLAURIS abstract ceramic plate from the 1950s Signed Bertrand Diameter: 23 cm A bold and evocative abstract pattern adorns this mid-century sculptural plate from the Atelier Cerenne founded by Charles René Neveux in Vallauris, France, in the commune of Vence. Signed on the reverse, this magnificent example of ceramic art is a tour de force of quality, restraint and style. The black background is enhanced by the incised white outline and the use of red, blue, yellow, green and a fish. Charles René Neveux founded Atelier Cerenne in 1945 and it was active until 1958, when it was sold. The workshop was best known for its small, high-end series that produced objects as beautiful as the one presented here. It is said that Atelier Cerenne takes its name from the contraction of the name of the founder, Charles René Neveux. For a bit of history on Vallauris, here is an excerpt from the Perfectly Provence website: "Vallauris Golfe-Juan - "city of 100 potters" - is a tourist town on the Côte d'Azur located between Antibes and Cannes. Its name (Valauria in Provençal) means "the golden valley". Divided into two parts: the old center of Vallauris and the seaside part which extends from the port to the Côte d'Azur, towards Antibes... However, the modernization of the 20th century led to a decline in the artisanal pottery activity in Vallauris. After the Second World War, Picasso gave new impetus to the pottery of Vallauris when he chose to settle in the town. Like a magnet, Picasso's presence attracted the arrival of artists such as Jean Marais and many others. Vallauris became fashionable in the 1950s and 60s and ceramics developed as an art form." This beautiful plate is an example of this modern abstract design.