Object Description
Large pair of Sèvres-style porcelain Napoleonic vases with ormolu mounts
French, Late 19th Century
Height 96cm, diameter 33cm
Standing just below a metre in height, these impressive vases are decorated with scenes of Napoleonic victory. The pieces are identical in design, save for the painted scenes on the main body.
The vases are mounted on squared ormolu bases with canted corners, decorated with classical motifs and beading. Of inverted ovoid form, the vases terminate in splayed ‘bleu lapis’ (navy) feet, parcel gilt with foliate bands and motifs. The gilded decoration is also inscribed with key dates from Napoleon’s rule. The waisted blue necks feature the same ‘bleu lapis’ ground, here decorated with gilt French imperial eagles that replicate the symbol that adorned Napoleon’s battle standards. The domed lids are embellished with crowned ‘N’s’ flanked by oak and laurel leaves, to further symbolise Napoleon’s triumph. Surmounting both pieces is an ormolu pinecone finial.
The main bodies are hand-painted, each with a continuous scene of Napoleon’s victory in battle. The first depicts his victory against the Austrian army at the Battle of Wagram (1809), whilst the second portrays his triumph against the Russian forces at the Battle of Friedland (1807). In both, Napoleon sits atop his white horse, surveying the battle or giving orders to his troops. The scenes are rendered with painterly skill that speaks to the dexterity of the artist, who has signed both scenes ‘H. Desprez, Sèvres’.
The undersides of the vases are both marked ‘’M. Imple de Sevres’. Individual marks of Wagram, 1809′ and ‘Friedland 1807’ denote the content of the painted scenes.
Magnificent in both size and quality, this pair of vases would make fine additions to any collection of Napoleonic antiques.