Jean Mayodon : Terres Précieuses

Exhibition at the Orangerie des Musées de Sens, 25 November 2023 - 15 April 2024

A major figure in French ceramics, Jean Mayodon (1893-1967) left his mark on his era through his technical innovations and creative genius. His work is characterised by a remarkable variety, from classical forms to majestic, precisely sculpted decorative pieces. His decorations are inspired by the tales of Greco-Roman mythology and the colour palettes of the Orient: mermaids, tritons, centaurs, dancers populate Jean Mayodon's world, forming warm, colourful circles that sometimes include birds and gazelles.

From his beginnings as a decorator to his position as director of the Manufacture nationale de Sèvres, from his friendships and collaborations with Marcel Derny, Géo Rouard, Jean Després and Raymond Subes to his trip to Egypt, this exhibition catalogue retraces Jean Mayodon's career, testifying to the singularity and richness of the artist's output.