Sèvres manufactory’s archives, Vbb2, fol 94

This cup and its saucer come from the gold net and crowned N. figure service entered into the sales store on October 12, 1808 and delivered to the emperor for the palace of Saint-Cloud in April 1909. This order follows the restoration by Napoleon I of this palace, former residence of Monsieur, the brother of Louis XIV. Once renovated, this building became the official center of power under the Consulate and the Empire. It was the scene of many major events including the marriage of Napoleon I and Marie-Louise in 1810 and the baptism of the King of Rome in 1811.

It is interesting to note that on the vast majority of illustrated cups, the figure of Napoleon has been replaced by that of Louis XVIII. Our cup is thus a rare example of the service as it was at the time of its delivery.

The service from which our cup and saucer came can be found in the archives of the factory (Vbb2, fol 94). An order dated April 6, 1809 indicates the delivery to the Palais de Saint-Cloud of 72 cups and saucers with “gold fillet and figure”.



Bibliography:

- Leprince Camille (Dir.) Napoléon I et Sèvres, The art of porcelain in the service of the Empire, Feu et Talent, Paris, 2016, p.317

- Archives of the manufacture: Vbb2, fol 94