The Netherlands
Delft
Mid 18th century
Workshop: De Grieksche A (The Greek A) Attributed.

These two lovely cows are decorated in the Petit Feu (small fire) technic with wonderful flower branches of green leaves, red flowers, with gilded details.
On the base there is green painted grass and frogs. Petit Feu is a painting technic with enamel paints at a lower temperature than normal, only 600 degrees instead of circa 1000 degrees Celsius. These pieces therefore were fired three times instead of two times. First, there is the biscuit firing (1st), then the tin glazing (with or without decorations), and the transparent glaze that adds extra gloss (grand feu). The gold and enamel paints were applied after the second firing on top of the glaze. The objects were fired again at a lower temperature in a smaller kiln known as the moffeloven (muffle kiln).

Cows decorated with flower branches are price cows, a tradition from the 17th century, when the best-bred bull or cow of the butcher’s guild was paraded through the streets. After the parade, the bull or cow would be butchered and served at the guild’s dinner. Also, a portion would be donated to the church and the poor.

The cows are in good condition, with the normal damages and restorations the the horns and ears. One cow was broken off its base and has been professionally restored.
The enamel and gilding are in excellent condition for their age.