MAYODON Jean

MAYODON Jean

French
(1893-1967)

Strongly inspired by Hindu and Persian arts as well as by the dancer Isadora Duncan, which marks him before the war of 1914 for the remainder of his work. he produced a ceramic with figurative decoration, in the ancient taste, characterized by the practice of stanniferous earthenware with "golden fire". He produced monumental works (decorative panels, sculptures, fountains, fireplaces) of impeccable quality. He set up his own kilns and used his knowledge of chemistry to produce pieces with colored oxides, covered with a network of gold giving them a precious appearance. He was solicited for numerous official orders.

Originally from Sèvres, where he lived and worked in his personal studio for most of his life, Mayodon was appointed artistic advisor to the Manufacture from 1934 to 1939, and then artistic director in 1941/1942. During this short period, he created more than eighty vase shapes for the Manufacture. Although he abandoned earthenware, his favorite material, for porcelain, he remained faithful to his main source of inspiration in his decorations: a strong and joyful Antiquity evoked by rounds of tritons and mermaids, dancers, heroes and gods. Mayodon's personal production also includes large-scale works: fountains, sculptures, decorative panels...destined for private homes, official buildings or large ocean liners. His works are currently experiencing a well-deserved craze because he is one of the greatest ceramists of his time.

Finally, for the liner France, the Compagnie Générale Transatlantique entrusted Jean Mayodon with the realization of the fountain of the 1st class pool. He was also commissioned to add his personal touch to the decoration of the Normandie apartment (two twin sculptures "Siren and Triton" made of green-bronze ceramic, 47 cm high).

Jean Maydon's ashes rest in the Père-Lachaise cemetery. His features are preserved in several portraits painted by André Vignoles.

Artists