Sèvres Rulers of France Portrait Medallions

This exceptionally rare set of sixteen Sèvres portrait medallions captures the illustrious history of one of the world’s most powerful monarchies—the French Crown. Exquisitely crafted by the illustrious Sèvres Manufactory, these impeccably preserved medallions stand as a remarkable testament to France’s unparalleled mastery of the decorative arts.

Crafted in the early 19th century, these medallions immortalize the most important French rulers and nobility in classic Sèvres bisque porcelain. Beginning with King François I of the 16th century, the collection features lifelike depictions of iconic figures including Louis XIV, Marie Antoinette and Napoleon Bonaparte, all set against a vibrant solid blue background. Interestingly, the set also portrays the English 1st Duke of Wellington, who was the de facto ruler after the fall of Napoleon. Each of the portraits epitomizes the artistry and precision of the world-renowned Sèvres Manufactory. See the full list of leaders represented in this set below.

The Sèvres Manufactory became the leading porcelain maker in Europe in the mid-18th century, and they were given the official French royal appointment in 1759. For more than 250 years, Sèvres has produced important commissions and highly sought-after bisque wares. Commemorative portrait medallions such as these were popular throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, evoking the grandeur of France’s greatest leaders through the ages. Today, examples of these same medallions are represented in major museum collections worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the British Museum, though none hold as comprehensive a group as the present collection. These sixteen medallions were united as part of the esteemed Twinight Collection, one of the world’s largest and most important private collections of European porcelain. To see such a monumental group of these Sèvres medallions so beautifully preserved is a true rarity. 

Circa 1818

Inscribed with Sèvres marks for Alexandre Brachard and Jean-Jacques Oger

Each frame: 30" high x 17 1/4" wide x 2 1/2" deep

Provenance:
Twinight Collection, New York
M.S. Rau, New Orleans 

Rulers depicted in the medallions:
Francois I (1515–47)
Henri IV (1589-1610)
Louis XIV (1643-1715)
Louis XV (1715-74)
Louis XVI (1774-92)
Marie Antoinette (1774-92)
Dauphin Louis Joseph (1781-89)
Dauphin Louis Charles (1785-95)
Louis XVIII (1795-1824)
Marie Josephine de Savoie (1795-1810)
Napoleon I (1804-1814, 1815)
Empress Josephine (1804-10)
Empress Marie Louise (1810-14)
Duke of Berry (1778-1820)
Duchess of Berry (1816-20)
1st Duke of Wellington (1828-34)