Minneapolis Institute of Art

Cup from a tea service for twelve

Decorator: Christophe-Ferdinand Caron; Manufacturer: Sèvres Porcelain Factory

Date

1807–1808

Medium

Hardpaste porcelain, gilt

Department

European Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

This cup and saucer is from a tea service for twelve (the rest is on view in Gallery 310) that was a diplomatic gift from the Emperor Napoleon to Prince William of Prussia in September, 1808. This richly-decorated service is an excellent example of of porcelain meant to impress another head of state. To achieve such quality, Sèvres employed top animal painter Caron from 1792-1815. The paintings on the service (including the bird shown here), based in part on Jean de la Fontaine's Fables, are considered among his highest achievements. France, Europe

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