Lot Essay
Inspired by ancient Egyptian prototypes, this encrier is modelled after Alexandre Evariste Fragonard's design dated 23 March 1814. Fragonard worked at the Svres manufactory from 1806-39, and according to the archives de la manufacture de Svres, only five examples of this model were realized between 1814-20. Of these, perhaps the best known is that which formed part of the Service Egyptien offered by Napoleon to Josephine as part of the settlement for their divorce, which she rejected. Retained by the Garde-Meuble Imprial, the service was subsequently presented by Louis XVIII to the victorious Duke of Wellington, and remains at Apsley House, London.