The idea for the service des Départements was conceived in 1824 by Alexandre Brongniart (1770–1847), director of the factory, to commemorate
the coronation of Charles X. Each plate in the service was to be painted with a famous topographical view from each of the départements (regions)
of France. The border was to be decorated with small cameo portraits of famous figures from the region, as well as various attributes or trophies
symbolizing the major industries, products, and arts of the area. These attributes and the cameo portraits are identified in black enamel script fired
on the back of each plate.
Due to the complexity of designing and then decorating each plate, the service was never completed, and its high cost discouraged Charles X from
acquiring it. The service ultimately was delivered to the residence of the president of the Assemblée Nationale in 1848, and the majority of it remains
in the possession of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Paris.
The plate below depicts the département of the Loiret; the center is painted with the Cathedral of Orléans and the Porte Saint-Vincent. Among the
cameo portraits is that of the painter Anne-Louis Girodet, and the various attributes include a loom, a river barge, and equipment for refining sugar
and for producing vinegar.
the coronation of Charles X. Each plate in the service was to be painted with a famous topographical view from each of the départements (regions)
of France. The border was to be decorated with small cameo portraits of famous figures from the region, as well as various attributes or trophies
symbolizing the major industries, products, and arts of the area. These attributes and the cameo portraits are identified in black enamel script fired
on the back of each plate.
Due to the complexity of designing and then decorating each plate, the service was never completed, and its high cost discouraged Charles X from
acquiring it. The service ultimately was delivered to the residence of the president of the Assemblée Nationale in 1848, and the majority of it remains
in the possession of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Paris.
The plate below depicts the département of the Loiret; the center is painted with the Cathedral of Orléans and the Porte Saint-Vincent. Among the
cameo portraits is that of the painter Anne-Louis Girodet, and the various attributes include a loom, a river barge, and equipment for refining sugar
and for producing vinegar.
| AntiqForum Home > Sevres > Service Departements Contact Us |
| If you wish to sell a Sevres plate or simply to get a free appraisal, please Contact Us *** We are antique collectors enthusiasts who would be happy to give you advise on how to best sell your items and even find a buyer for you, all free of charge *** Your email will be promptly answered within 24 hours guaranteed |
