Jacob Petit Français, 1796-1868

French ceramicist and porcelain designer

Born in Paris in 1796 as Jacob Mardochée, Jacob Petit began his artistic career as a porcelain painter at the Sèvres manufactory. After traveling across Europe to refine his craft, he established his own porcelain workshop in Fontainebleau around 1830.

He quickly gained fame for his bold, colorful creations featuring whimsical forms and lavish ornamentation. His eclectic style drew from Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, Oriental, and Chinese influences, breaking with the neoclassical norms of the time. Rich gilding, vibrant enamels, and exotic motifs became hallmarks of his distinctive aesthetic.

Jacob Petit also published a decorative design portfolio that contributed to the evolution of 19th-century interior arts. A demanding artisan, he combined technical mastery with exuberant creativity. He died in Paris in 1868, leaving behind a prolific body of work that remains a symbol of French Romantic porcelain.