A large ceremonial porcelain vase of amphora form, produced at the renowned Manufacture nationale de Sèvres. The shape is inspired by Renaissance prototypes, with carefully balanced proportions, a high neck, and a stable circular foot. The body is covered with a rich turquoise-blue glaze serving as a ground for refined polychrome painting and lavish gilt ornamentation, characteristic of the highest artistic production of Sèvres in the 19th century.
The front is adorned with a large oval medallion depicting the mythological scene The Birth of Venus. The goddess is shown at the moment of her triumphant emergence from the sea in a shell, with a flowing red drapery, surrounded by putti and music-making nymphs. The movement of the waves, the play of wind, and the dynamic arrangement of figures emphasize the allegorical nature of the scene, symbolizing the triumphant power of love, harmony of nature, and ideal beauty. The composition draws upon Renaissance and academic traditions widely embraced by French art of the period.
The reverse features a richly painted still life with an opulent bouquet of flowers, pears, and plums. This imagery, traditionally associated with abundance and fertility, forms a meaningful dialogue with the mythological subject on the front. The painting is framed by a gilt cartouche with a pearl border. The body is further enriched with elaborate gilt vegetal and classical ornamentation executed with exceptional precision.
Marks:
Hand-painted underglaze cobalt mark of the Manufacture nationale de Sèvres, featuring a working monogram and the letter “P”. Such letter marks formed part of the internal attribution system used by the artistic workshops and painting ateliers of the manufactory in the second half of the 19th century and are characteristic of ceremonial vases with painted medallions.
Dimensions: Height: 42 cm; Width: 25 cm; Depth: 25 cm.
Condition: Good. Even glaze, no cracks or chips. Minor signs of age and light wear to the gilding on raised areas. The painted decoration is well preserved, with no evidence of restoration.
Provenance: Private European collection.
The Manufacture nationale de Sèvres occupies a central position in the history of European decorative arts and has stood as a benchmark of artistic and technical excellence since the 18th century. In the second half of the 19th century, Sèvres increasingly turned to classical antiquity and the Renaissance, reflecting the prevailing aesthetics of Academicism and Historicism. Monumental vases of this type were conceived as independent works of art, intended for palace interiors, official residences, and prestigious salons.
The use of intense coloured grounds, complex multi-figure painting, and rich gilding emphasized the ceremonial character of these objects and the status of their owners. Mythological subjects, particularly The Birth of Venus, were especially favoured for their symbolic associations with beauty, love, harmony, and creative power. Such compositions allowed Sèvres painters to demonstrate a high level of pictorial skill and a sophisticated understanding of classical iconography.
The still life on the reverse further enhances the allegorical meaning of the vase. Flowers and fruit traditionally symbolize abundance, earthly pleasures, and fertility, complementing the mythological narrative on the front. Together, these elements form a cohesive artistic statement, uniting mythology, nature, and decorative art within the academic aesthetic of the 19th century.
Overall good condition. Minor signs of use and slight wear to the gilding. The glaze and painted decoration remain intact, with no restorations observed.
The condition report is provided for informational purposes only.
It is not comprehensive and may not reflect all defects, restorations, alterations, or adaptations, as Antiqon does not perform professional conservation-level assessments. The information is based on a qualified, yet subjective, evaluation by our specialists.Before purchasing, we recommend consultation with an independent expert.Please also consult our Terms and conditions and Glossary A-Z, which contain important information on lot characteristics and sale conditions.
