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Jean Derval, born in 1925 and died in 2010, is a renowned French ceramicist, whose work is distinguished by its colorful, lively creations, often inspired by the animal world and nature. Derval is an important figure in 20th-century French ceramics, and his unique style, both joyful and sculptural, is at the crossroads of folk art and sophisticated craft techniques.
Trained at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, Jean Derval worked alongside great masters of ceramics, including Robert Picault and Roger Capron, and settled in the 1950s in Vallauris, which was then a major center of ceramics in France. In this small town on the Côte d’Azur, where the art of pottery was experiencing a revival, he also collaborated with Pablo Picasso, who lived there at the same time and helped make Vallauris an emblematic place for ceramists.
Derval’s works are immediately recognizable by their generous forms, textured surfaces, and bright colors. His pieces, often animal figurines, bas-reliefs, and decorative objects, are characterized by an apparent naivety, mixed with remarkable technical mastery. He works primarily with glazed stoneware, creating surfaces with deep, vibrant hues. Derval draws inspiration from folk art and local traditions, but also from religious and mythological motifs, which he interprets with a modern and expressive style.
Jean Derval’s creations are exhibited in numerous galleries and collected internationally, testifying to his lasting influence on ceramic art. His work, both accessible and sophisticated, captures a joyful Mediterranean spirit and remains highly prized for its authenticity and expressive power.