CIRCA 1860-70, SIGNED M. L. SOLON

The plaque is unmarked, but it seems likely that it was produced by the Parisian manufacturer Alphonse-Marx Clauss, and retailed by the dealer Eugène Rousseau, with whom Solon had professional associations during his early years using the pâte-sur-pâte technique. The treatment of the figures, and in particular the distinctive hat worn by the figure on the right, are similar to those that appear on a pair of plaques depicting 'Morning' and 'Evening', in the Stoke-on-Trent Museums collection, dated to circa. 1867. The plaques are illustrated in Bernard Bumpus, Pâte-sur-Pâte, London, 1992, p. 62, pl. 36. On the succeeding page, Bumpus discusses this 'curious conical headgear' and connects it specifically to this period in Solon’s career. During these early years, Solon typically signed his work with an MLS monogram, but exceptions are known.

See also the similar Minton plaque by Solon, dated 1872, sold Bonhams, 8 June 2005, lot 362.