This magnificent porcelain vase, featuring the signature turquoise-blue ground (bleu céleste), is a masterpiece of mid-19th century French decorative arts. It exemplifies the highest standards of craftsmanship from the Sèvres Manufactory and holds exceptional historical value.
Artistic Features
• Front painting:
An idyllic pastoral scene: a young woman in a white and pink dress gently leans on the shoulder of a cavalier, while a third figure in lavender observes quietly. The atmosphere evokes serenity, inspired by 18th-century Rococo painting.
• Reverse painting:
A detailed rural landscape with a watermill, turning wheel, and tranquil nature — a romantic vision of the French countryside.
• Decoration:
The entire surface is adorned with exquisite hand-applied gilt ornamentation, featuring neoclassical motifs such as garlands, palmettes, and acanthus leaves.
• Ground color:
Bleu céleste — a turquoise-blue tone that was among the most costly and technically demanding in the Sèvres palette. Introduced during the reign of Louis XV, it was reserved for pieces destined for the elite.
Historical Context
Following the economic downturn after the 1848 revolution, the Sèvres Manufactory adopted an unusual practice: certain items were sold “in the white” (blanc), meaning undecorated, and given to freelance artists for external decoration.
This vase was painted by one such independent decorator who maintained close ties with the manufactory.
It originated from the collection of Marquis Charles-Henri de Bellegarde (1789–1863), a member of the old Provençal nobility. Originally part of a pair commissioned for his château, the vases were later separated during a sale. Today, the whereabouts of one are known — it resides in a private Middle Eastern collection.
Significance
This vase is not merely a decorative object — it is a cultural artifact embodying the aesthetics and spirit of 19th-century France. Its exceptional provenance, artistic finesse, and museum-level execution make it an exceedingly rare find on the antique market.
Height: 62 cm
