Artists & Artisans
Sévres
Historical Genesis
Prior to the 18th century, French porcelain significantly lagged behind its German and Italian counterparts. In a decisive move to elevate French porcelain, King Louis XV, encouraged by Madame de Pompadour, acquired a modest workshop in Vincennes in 1756 and relocated it to Sévres, strategically positioned along the Seine. This relocation was pivotal, fostering an environment ripe for innovation and setting the stage for the rebirth of French porcelain.
Under the patronage of Louis XV and Madame de Pompadour, Sévres Porcelain quickly set new standards for luxury and quality, achieving unparalleled elegance in porcelain artistry. Throughout successive political regimes, the factory has maintained its traditional practices and continues to produce pieces that are both historical and iconic.
Era of Enlightenment and Expansion
The era from 1789 to 1799, marked by the French Revolution, saw Sévres persistently operating amidst national chaos. Post-revolution, under Napoleon’s rule, Alexandre Brongniart was appointed as the director. A chemist and an Enlightenment advocate, Brongniart revolutionized the factory’s operations by improving financial stability, encouraging innovation, and integrating scientific methods into porcelain manufacturing, which kept the factory at the forefront of European porcelain production.
The Discovery of Kaolin and the Advent of Hard-Paste Porcelain
The discovery of kaolin clay in 1768 was a critical breakthrough for Sévres, enabling the manufacture of superior hard-paste porcelain. Brongniart’s strategic decision to cease all soft-paste production underscored a commitment to excellence, prioritizing high-quality output and setting a new benchmark in the luxury porcelain market.
Patronage and Prestige
Despite the historical rivalries between Britain and France, monarchs from both nations coveted Sévres porcelain, attesting to its esteemed status. Sévres flourished under Brongniart’s directorship, securing commissions from European royalty such as Napoleon Bonaparte, Tsar Alexander I and various French and English sovereigns. The pieces, ranging from ornate dinner services to exquisite decorative arts, are still prized in royal collections across Europe.
Commitment to Craft and Innovation
Remarkably, the original kilns from 260 years ago remain in use at Sévres today, now enhanced with precise electronic monitoring to maintain optimal firing temperatures of 1,380 degrees Celsius. Unlike contemporary industrial operations, Sévres cherishes its handcrafted techniques, continuing to pioneer in the realms of chemistry and artistic craftsmanship.
Artistic Collaborations
Throughout its history, Sévres has been a nexus for artistic excellence, collaborating with eminent artists like Rodin, Boucher and Duplessis to enhance the artistic quality of its products. This tradition extends to modern collaborations with artists such as Yan Peiming and Ettore Sottsass, further cementing its legacy in the fusion of art and porcelain.
Understanding Sévres Marks
Every piece of Sévres porcelain is distinctively marked with the 'Sèvres Blue' stamp, featuring interlaced Ls with a year-indicative letter within. This mark not only signifies authenticity but also the piece’s lineage and origin, a testament to its prestigious creation.
Modern Legacy and Global Esteem
Today, Sévres porcelain is revered not just for its historical value but also for its continued dedication to the 'art de vivre'—a philosophy embodying sophistication and receptiveness to new ideas, cultures and artistic influences. Sévres pieces grace the collections of major art institutions such as the Louvre and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, as well as in royal collections around the world, including those at Windsor Castle and the Hofburg Palace.Sévres Porcelain, through centuries of turmoil and change, has not only survived but thrived, continually proving itself as a cornerstone of artistic craftsmanship and a beacon of luxury in the porcelain industry. This enduring legacy highlights the blend of traditional techniques with avant-garde artistic collaborations, securing its place as a jewel in the crown of French cultural heritage.
Artists & Artisans
Sévres
Historical Genesis
Prior to the 18th century, French porcelain significantly lagged behind its German and Italian counterparts. In a decisive move to elevate French porcelain, King Louis XV, encouraged by Madame de Pompadour, acquired a modest workshop in Vincennes in 1756 and relocated it to Sévres, strategically positioned along the Seine. This relocation was pivotal, fostering an environment ripe for innovation and setting the stage for the rebirth of French porcelain.
Under the patronage of Louis XV and Madame de Pompadour, Sévres Porcelain quickly set new standards for luxury and quality, achieving unparalleled elegance in porcelain artistry. Throughout successive political regimes, the factory has maintained its traditional practices and continues to produce pieces that are both historical and iconic.
Era of Enlightenment and Expansion
The era from 1789 to 1799, marked by the French Revolution, saw Sévres persistently operating amidst national chaos. Post-revolution, under Napoleon’s rule, Alexandre Brongniart was appointed as the director. A chemist and an Enlightenment advocate, Brongniart revolutionized the factory’s operations by improving financial stability, encouraging innovation, and integrating scientific methods into porcelain manufacturing, which kept the factory at the forefront of European porcelain production.
The Discovery of Kaolin and the Advent of Hard-Paste Porcelain
The discovery of kaolin clay in 1768 was a critical breakthrough for Sévres, enabling the manufacture of superior hard-paste porcelain. Brongniart’s strategic decision to cease all soft-paste production underscored a commitment to excellence, prioritizing high-quality output and setting a new benchmark in the luxury porcelain market.
Patronage and Prestige
Despite the historical rivalries between Britain and France, monarchs from both nations coveted Sévres porcelain, attesting to its esteemed status. Sévres flourished under Brongniart’s directorship, securing commissions from European royalty such as Napoleon Bonaparte, Tsar Alexander I and various French and English sovereigns. The pieces, ranging from ornate dinner services to exquisite decorative arts, are still prized in royal collections across Europe.
Commitment to Craft and Innovation
Remarkably, the original kilns from 260 years ago remain in use at Sévres today, now enhanced with precise electronic monitoring to maintain optimal firing temperatures of 1,380 degrees Celsius. Unlike contemporary industrial operations, Sévres cherishes its handcrafted techniques, continuing to pioneer in the realms of chemistry and artistic craftsmanship.
Artistic Collaborations
Throughout its history, Sévres has been a nexus for artistic excellence, collaborating with eminent artists like Rodin, Boucher and Duplessis to enhance the artistic quality of its products. This tradition extends to modern collaborations with artists such as Yan Peiming and Ettore Sottsass, further cementing its legacy in the fusion of art and porcelain.
Understanding Sévres Marks
Every piece of Sévres porcelain is distinctively marked with the 'Sèvres Blue' stamp, featuring interlaced Ls with a year-indicative letter within. This mark not only signifies authenticity but also the piece’s lineage and origin, a testament to its prestigious creation.
Modern Legacy and Global Esteem
Today, Sévres porcelain is revered not just for its historical value but also for its continued dedication to the 'art de vivre'—a philosophy embodying sophistication and receptiveness to new ideas, cultures and artistic influences. Sévres pieces grace the collections of major art institutions such as the Louvre and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, as well as in royal collections around the world, including those at Windsor Castle and the Hofburg Palace.Sévres Porcelain, through centuries of turmoil and change, has not only survived but thrived, continually proving itself as a cornerstone of artistic craftsmanship and a beacon of luxury in the porcelain industry. This enduring legacy highlights the blend of traditional techniques with avant-garde artistic collaborations, securing its place as a jewel in the crown of French cultural heritage.
