Rustic Basin, Bernard Palissy and Workshop (active circa 1510–1590)

Motivated by science, Bernard Palissy created remarkable ceramic plates and basins that reflect his interest in fossils. Using molds cast from real frogs, reptiles, fish, and plants, Rustic Basin resembles a densely covered forest floor flourishing with plants and animals. Palissy’s craftsmanship in depicting the natural world through high-relief ceramic sculpture was one of revolutionary scientific recording in the Renaissance era.