2-982-497 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

"The Last Trial of Madame Palissy" - painted by W. J. Grant - one of the prize pictures of the Glasgow Art Union, 1858. 'The name of Bernard Palissy is of European renown in connection with the beautiful ware which he succeeded in perfecting, and which is called after him...the dream of his ambition was the restoration of the lost art of porcelain-enamelling; and, in a long course of efforts and experiments towards realising it, he reduced himself and his family to the greatest distress. At length, when on the eve of success...he found himself in want of a piece of gold...The sole remaining article of value in the possession of the family was his wife's wedding-ring; and after earnest entreaty she was induced to relinquish it...Palissy, intent on the success of his experiment, has taken the little shining bauble from his wife's finger, and holds it lightly poised over the melting-pot in which in another instant it will be immersed. Poor Madame Palissy bears the trial heroically...Two children look on and smile, amused and curious at seeing mamma's ring so unceremoniously disposed of'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858.