Round Ceramic Mirror - F. Lembo.

Round ceramic mirror forming a trompe-l'oeil treated frame set with gems, shaded gold and turquoise enamel, light gold stitching of the mirror. Incised signature: F. Lembo. 1960's. Biography: Born in Vallauris in 1930, François Lembo trained as a ceramist in the Calva and Rossignol workshops in 1951. After his apprenticeship and military service, he worked for three years in the workshop of Marc Roussel, his father-in-law, before setting up his own workshop in Vallauris in 1960. Inspired by Byzantine art in Roussel's workshop, François created mirrors, crucifixes in the oriental style and created Russian icons. These ceramic works are gilded and iridescent pearl-shaped glazes simulate precious stones. For more than twenty years, he remained faithful to his theme and mainly created mirrors and icons which are exhibited in Mr. Dubois' “Terre de Provence” gallery. Among the religious representations, the virgin and child, Saint George and the dragon, the young beardless Christ are present in his work. His mirrors have often been confused with those of Mithé Espelt.