FIRST QUARTER 19TH CENTURY, AFTER THE MODEL BY LOUIS-SIMON BOIZOT

The present model is from a set emblematic of the Four Continents after the 1791 models by Louis-Simon Boizot. The first set offered at auction was bought by Napoleon when First Consul on 6 October 1801 (14 vendémiaire an XI), at total cost of 576 francs. A full set was acquired by George IV soon after he ascended the throne in 1821, and Her Majesty the Queen retains a figure of Europe, as discussed by Geoffrey de Bellaigue in French Porcelain in the Collection of Her Majesty the Queen, London, 2009, Vol. III, pp. 1111-1112, no. 326. The related figures of Asia and America are missing, but the example of Africa formerly in the Royal Collection was offered by Christie's, New York, 9 October 2013, lot 694. Examples of the Europe and Asia groups were offered by The Connoisseur's Eye sale, held Christie's, New York, 23 October 2013, lot 549. For an illustration of the Africa model see E. Bourgeois and G.Lechevallier-Chevignard, Le Biscuit de Sèvres au XVIIIème siècle, Paris, 1909, Vol. II, p. 46, no. 8.