JEAN DERVAL (1925-2010) Abstract motifs, 1980 Hollow bowl. Glazed ceramic with title motif in brown monochrome on a beige background. Signed and dated J. DERVAL 1980 under the base. Height: 7.5cm - Diameter: 19.5cm Provenance: Christine Lavenu Collection: Christine Lavenu Collection. JEAN DERVAL (1925-2010) Jean Derval graduated from the École des Arts appliqués in Paris in 1944, and discovered ceramics in Saint-Amand-en-Puisaye, before moving to Vallauris in 1947 to work alongside Capron and Picault, and later for the Madoura studio and Picasso. In 1951, he opened his own studio. His works cover a range of motifs, from religious, mythological, figurative and fantastical figures to more abstract, graphic decorations. The classical forms of the ancient tradition are overturned in his works by a cubist distortion, giving rise to highly varied and refined creations, which would evolve in the 1960s towards more sculptural and architectural works.