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Bernard Palissy, French potter
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Bernard Palissy, French potter
Bernard Palissy (1509-1589), French potter, geologist and naturalist, stoking his furnace, coloured artwork. Palissy spent 16 years on experiments to produce enamels for ceramics, work that eventually brought him fame and recognition. However, his efforts reduced him and his family to poverty. He is said to have burned his furniture to feed the fires of his furnaces, and that his wife and family reproached him bitterly. Original artwork from the 1875 edition of Vies des Savants Illustres
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Media ID 6273913
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1500s 16th Century 1875 Burning Family France French Furnace Geological Geologist Inventor Natural History Naturalist Portraits Potter Poverty Scientist Surname P Upset Vies Des Savants Illustres Working Workshop Bernard Palissy Driven
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This artwork captures the essence of Bernard Palissy, a remarkable French potter, geologist, and naturalist from the 16th century. In this colored illustration, we witness Palissy stoking his furnace with unwavering determination and dedication. His story is one of both triumph and tragedy. For sixteen long years, Palissy immersed himself in countless experiments to create exquisite enamels for ceramics. His relentless pursuit eventually earned him fame and recognition in his field. However, this pursuit came at a great cost - plunging him and his family into abject poverty. Legend has it that Palissy's desperation knew no bounds; he resorted to burning his own furniture just to fuel the fires of his furnaces. This act drew bitter reproach from his wife and family who struggled alongside him through these trying times. Yet despite their hardships, this image showcases Palissy as a man driven by an unyielding passion for innovation. It portrays the human spirit's ability to endure adversity while pursuing greatness. The original artwork hails from the 1875 edition of "Vies des Savants Illustres" providing us with a glimpse into history where technological advancements were born out of sheer determination rather than modern conveniences. Through this portrait, we are reminded not only of Bernard Palissy's significant contributions but also of the sacrifices made by those who dare to push boundaries in their quest for progress.
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