Dedicated to the greatest porcelain produced by the Sèvres factory between the first Empire and the reign of King Louis-Philippe, the event aims to show the splendor of Sèvres porcelain during the golden era of French decorative arts. It is assumed that the painted decoration on porcelain from this period has never been surpassed.

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From an Imperial table to a “wild display” of pieces from the celebrated Service Forestier in the middle of a forest, the young French decorator Damien Rondeau reveals a new universe with a surprising mise en scène. 

Characterized by elegant shapes associated with superb paintings and delicate gilding, many of the works on view in the exhibition are considered amongst the greatest 19th century Sèvres creations. These inventive designs were influenced by major artistic sources: ancient history, contemporary history, the natural world (flower, precious stones, etc.), landscaping views, etc.

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Numerous iconic pieces were shown for the first time: eagle-head sugar bowl and elephant-head ice pails both from the service used by Napoléon Ier at Palais de Compiègne (1810), and two plates from the private service of Napoléon I illustrating his campaign in Austria (1809). Each piece is unique both for its beauty, technical skill and historical importance.  

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Many of these pieces, often in immaculate condition, were selected to be royal gifts at the time they were made. Vases, table services, tea services were presented to other members of the royal family, to foreign courts, or to honor special events.

Symbol of luxury, but also of French savoir faire and savoir vivre, the production of the Manufacture Nationale de Porcelaine (Sèvres) was also a favored diplomatic tool.