A brightly colored parrot, obviously drawn to this particular branch by clusters of pomegranates bursting with seeds, turns its head demurely in response to our gaze. There is a sprightly, rhythmic--we might even say gallic--quality to the lines that define the image. Colors are applied in a manner that suggests watercolors. 

The vignette appears against a blank field of white, edged only by tiny blue brush strokes that recall traditional feather edge decoration.

After Felix Bracquemond used etching instead of traditional engraving for his innovative Service Rousseau, the quality of the line assumed an increased importance in French printed wares. Our Escalier de Cristal plate recalls Bracquemond's designs in other ways--an unconventional natural image seen against a white ground with delicate blue edging. In addition, the focus on a single image rather than multiple images recalls the Jules Vieillard oiseaux (birds) series. The energy and whimsy of the drawing has a modern quality, however. One might even think ahead to the work of Raoul Dufy.

Escalier de Cristal was a source of luxury goods in Paris, established early in the nineteenth century and finally closing in 1923. Like other French retailers they commissioned and produced exclusive designs; the list of associated artists is an impressive one.