Author
H. Desprez
Publication Date
19th century
Type
Book
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Physical Dimensions
240 x 38 x 38 cm
Library
Sabancı University Sakıp Sabancı Museum
Library Asset ID
400-0002
Record ID
400-0002
Date
19th century
Notes
This vase is a pair of vase with inventory number 400-0001. The two vases are identical except for the battle scenes depicted on their bodies. The lid, neck, body, foot and column below this vase, whose mouth, handles and base are gilded bronze, are made of porcelain. Between these porcelain sections there are gilded bronze pieces. The bronze piece connecting the body of the vase and its foot consists of stylized leaves. There are gilded decorations on a dark blue background on the cover, neck, foot and column. The gilded bronze handle of the vase's lid is in the shape of an inverted acorn. The gilded bronze handles on both sides extend almost along the entire body of the vase. There is a marble piece between the vase and the column below it. The base of this work, which consists of two main parts, is also made of marble.
The decorations of the vase and the battle scene depicted on its body are about the empire of Napoleon I (1804-1814). The gilded eagle on the neck of the vase, the letter "N" on the lid and the laurel leaves surrounding them are among Napoleon's imperial symbols. Inside the cover, there is the "M. Imple [Manufacture Impériale] de Sèvres" seal used between 1804-1812, as well as the inscription "Friedland 1807" to indicate the war depicted on the body. In the lower right corner of the painting on its body, there is the signature "H. Desprez" indicating its painter and the text "Sèvres" underneath. Although Desprez often painted Napoleon-themed scenes on porcelain vases and plates similar to Sèvres, today the Sèvres Porcelain Factory states that this artist is not among its official painters.
A copy of the 1807 Friedland painting by Ernest Meissonier can be seen on the body of the vase. The Battle of Friedland is one of the most decisive battles of the Napoleonic Wars, which took place between France and various European coalitions between 1803 and 1815, and resulted in Napoleon's decisive victory over Russia. Because of their historical significance, the Napoleonic Wars are often depicted in paintings and decorative works of the period.
In the original painting, Meissonier depicted the moment when Napoleon and his generals saluted the French army heading for battle. Desprez made various changes in adapting the painting to porcelain and used the body of the vase all around. In a second painting on the column, signed "H. Desprez", a uniformed figure is seen on a brown horse.
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This vase is one of a pair, with the other bearing the inventory number 400-0001. The two vases are identical, save for the battle scenes depicted on their bodies. The lip, handles, and base of the vase are made of gilt bronze, while its lid, neck, body, and foot, as well as the column underneath it, are porcelain. Gilt bronze elements connect these porcelain sections to one another. The bronze piece that connects the vase's body to its foot is in the form of highly stylized leaves. The lid, neck, and foot of the vase, and the column beneath, feature gilded decorations on a navy blue background. The gilt bronze finial on the lid of the vase is in the shape of an upside down acorn. The gilt bronze handles on either side of the vase extend almost the entire length of its body. There is a marble slab between the vase and the column underneath it, and the plinth of this two-part piece is also made of marble.
The decorative elements on the vase and the battle scene depicted on its body are related to the reign of Napoleon I (1804-1814). The golden eagle on the neck of the vase, the initial 'N' on the lid, and the laurels surrounding them, are all among Napoleon's heraldic imagery. Inside the lid, there is a stamp reading 'M. Imple [Manufacture Impériale] de Sèvres', which was used between 1804-1812, as well as the inscription 'Friedland 1807', in reference to the battle shown on the body of the vase. The lower right corner of the battle scene bears the signature 'H. Desprez', indicating its painter, and below it is the word 'Sèvres'. Although Desprez frequently painted Napoleonic scenes on Sèvres-like porcelain vases and plates, the Sèvres Porcelain Factory states that he was not among their official artists.
The body of the vase features a copy of the painting 1807, Friedland by Ernest Meissonier. The Battle of Friedland, resulting in Napoleon's definitive victory over Russia, was one of the most decisive engagements of the Napoleonic Wars, which took place between France and various European coalitions between 1803-1815. The Napoleonic Wars were often depicted in paintings and on decorative objects of this period, due to their historical significance.
In the original painting, Meissonier depicts Napoleon and his generals saluting the French army as it advances into battle. Desprez made various changes in adapting the painting to porcelain, using the entire circumference of the vase's body. On the column, there is a second painting also bearing the signature 'H. Desprez', which shows a uniformed figure on a brown horse.
Dönem
Fransız / French; Sèvres tarzı / Sèvres style
Kayıtlar
Vazo ve sütundaki resimler imzalı: H. Desprez Sèvres; Kapağın altında kırmızı renkte damgalar: Sèvres / Friedland (1807)
Teknik
Porselen, renkli mine, altın, yaldızlı bronz ve mermer / Porcelain, polychrome enamels, gold, gilt bronze, and marble
Telif Hakkı
© Sabancı Üniversitesi Sakıp Sabancı Müzesi. Tüm hakları saklıdır. / © Sabancı University Sakıp Sabancı Museum. All rights reserved.
