In 1784, Marie-Antoinette (1755-1793) commissioned an elaborate service from the Sèvres manufactory likely to complement her redecorated apartments at the Tuileries. However, instead of being delivred to its intended recipient, the service was pre-empted for use as a diplomatic gift for Gustave III of Sweden (1746-1792) whom Louis XVI (1754-1793) had invited to France in March of that same year, a follow-up to his successful visit of 1771. So pleased was Gustave with this royal gift, that he quickly commissioned an additional 73 pieces in the same pattern from the factory which were delivered on 7 September 1784. Not long to be denied, Marie-Antoinette received her own service in the exact same pattern and design on 26 August 1784 with an additional 24 large oval and round platters. Five years later, a service of this same decoration was commissioned by Marie-Antoinette's sister-in-law, the Comtesse d'Artois, and in the second half of the nineteenth century, Herend began producing copies as well. The latter two services are easily distinguishable because of their differing dates and manufactories. However, owing to their complex and intertwined histories, pieces of the services for Marie-Antoinette and Gustave III have become interchanged over the years making accurate identification more difficult. The publication of David Peters' book on 18th century Sèvres services and his painstaking combing of the factory's records have gone a long way towards solving the mystery of which pieces were made for which service. See R. Freyberger, "Royal Porcelain, Royal Gift: The Prologue," Service de la Reine, Auction catalogue, Sotheby's, New York, 18 May 1996 and D. Peters, Sèvres Plates and Services of the 18th Century, Little Berkhamsted, 2005, vol. iii, pgs. 707-712; 717-718; 721-724.

A SEVRES PORCELAIN TUREEN STAND FROM THE 'SERVICE DE LA REINE' (PLATEAU DE TERRINE)

BLUE INTERLACED L'S, DATE LETTER GG FOR 1784 AND PAINTER'S MARK Y FOR BOUILLIAT, GILDER'S MARK 2000 FOR VINCENT, INCISED 14

Details

A SEVRES PORCELAIN TUREEN STAND FROM THE 'SERVICE DE LA REINE' (PLATEAU DE TERRINE)
BLUE INTERLACED L'S, DATE LETTER GG FOR 1784 AND PAINTER'S MARK Y FOR BOUILLIAT, GILDER'S MARK 2000 FOR VINCENT, INCISED 14
Of oval form with molded foliate and gilt integral handles, finely painted in the center with a spray of pink roses within a blue-ground band of 'pearls', the gilt-edged rim with a deep border of pink and green rose springs alternating with blue and green cornflower sprigs, edged in gilt foliage and reserved on a claret ground between bands of gilt beads and green laurel
17 7/8 in. (45.2 cm.) long

Provenance

Delivered 1784, likely to Marie-Antoinette.
Property of a Lady; Sotheby's, New York, 4 May 1999, lot 77.

If you wish to view the condition report of this lot, please sign in to your account.

View condition report

Lot Essay

Edmé-François Bouillat père is noted as a painter of flowers and birds at the factory from 1758 to 1810; Henry-François Vincent le jeune as a gilder from 1753 to 1800. Although both are recorded as involved in the decoration of the services made in this pattern for Gustave III and for Marie-Antoinette, David Peters suggests that the present tureen stand is more likely from the service produced for Marie-Antoinette. (See D. Peters, Plates and Services, pp. 723).

More from Treasures of France

View All