PORCELAIN PLATES FROM THE ROBERT B. HONEYMAN, JR. COLLECTION, ca. 1849-ca. 1902.

Plaisirs du bain dans le Sacramento
Lanz
[BANC PIC 1963.002:1871--OBJ]

This porcelain salad plate is one of a set of six decorated with humorous scenes depicting early California life including adventures in gold fields, encounters with Indians and wild animals, and other scenes.

The English translation for the caption, "Pleasures of bathing in the Sacramento River, California," describes a scene of two men surprised by alligators as they wade in the river. The Indian figure in the background is captured in an alligator's grasp, while the Indian in the foreground appears destined to meet the same fate.

The confusing mixture of misplaced tropical foliage and wildlife, and the appearance of nondescript Indians suggest that accuracy of detail was not a priority for the artist.

The artwork is attributed to a French artist, Lanz (active ca. 1850). The plate is inscribed in French, "Plaisirs du bain dans le Sacramento." The plate is numbered above the title "No. 6," and bears a manufacturer's stamp (on the verso), "Creil et Montereau/Porcel Opaque. L.M. & Cie. Medailles d'or 1834, 39, 44, et 49."