Plate

Art Historical Context

This elegant plate, crafted in 1846 by the Manufacture nationale de Sè—the premier French porcelain factory founded in the 18th century—exemplifies the opulent applied arts of mid-19th-century Europe. During the July Monarchy under Louis-Philippe, Svres continued its legacy as a royal supplier, producing luxury goods that blended technical mastery with refined aesthetics for elite dining and display. Made from hard-paste porcelain, a durable, translucent material perfected in Europe to rival Chinese imports, the plate features vibrant polychrome enamels—fired-on colors applied in multiple layers for depth and brilliance—and intricate gilded decoration. Measuring just under 10 inches across, its shallow form and lavish surface treatments highlight Sèvres' innovative firing techniques, which ensured longevity and luster even after repeated use. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Department of Applied Arts of Europe, this piece underscores porcelain's cultural role as a status symbol, bridging fine art and everyday luxury. Visitors will appreciate how such objects elevated the table to a canvas of artistry, reflecting France's enduring passion for porcelain excellence.

About the Artist

Manufacture nationale de Sèvres · 1763–1800

The Manufacture nationale de Sèvres, a premier French porcelain factory, flourished from 1763 to 1800 as the royal powerhouse of European ceramics, producing opulent soft- and hard-paste porcelain under the patronage of Louis XV and XVI. Originally founded in Vincennes in 1740 to rival Meissen and Chantilly, it relocated to Sèvres in 1756 and was fully acquired by the Crown in 1759, becoming the M...