The Open-Air Sideshow (La Parade en plein-vent). Culture: French, Gien. Dimensions: Diameter: 7 7/8 in. (20 cm). Date: ca. 1850.The scene on this plate, which depicts an open-air side show, reflects one of the forms of popular entertainment that was widely embraced in mid-nineteenth century France. The decoration was applied by transfer printing, which allowed for wares such as this to be produced inexpensively, thus making them affordable to the audiences attending this type of event. The plate was made at Gien, a major center of ceramic production in France in the nineteenth century. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.