Bernard Palissy

1510-1589

Bernard Palissy, a potter of the Renaissance era, is most remembered for his unique style of ceramic plates that featured reptiles, shells, and various oddities found in ponds. He was known to break down furniture and even the floorboards of his own home to fuel the furnace for his work. However, what is often forgotten is that Palissy was a firm believer and defender of the faith. He was an outspoken Huguenot in France and only received protection from persecution from the nobles who enjoyed his work, especially queen Catherine de Medici. 

In 1588 this protection came to an end during the War of the Three Henrys. He would not recant his faith even when King Henry III offered him his freedom to do so. At age 80, Palissy died due to the poor conditions of the Bastille along with three other believers.