Footed Bowl (Coupe de Milan)

Manufacturer Manufacture nationale de Sèvres (French, 1740-present)

Place of OriginFrance, Sèvres

Date1851-1852

DimensionsH: 10 1/4 in. (26 cm); Diam (rim): 17 1/2 in. (44.4 cm); Diam (foot): 8 13/16 in. (22.4 cm)

MediumHard-paste porcelain, enamel and gilt

ClassificationCeramics

Credit LinePurchased with funds given by Mr. and Mrs. George M. Jones, Jr.

Object number

1990.104

Not on View

Label TextKnown for its innovative styles and cutting-edge technological advances, the world-renowned Sèvres porcelain factory was founded as the Vincennes manufactory by Louis XV and Madame de Pompadour in 1740. In 1756 it moved to the town of Sèvres and remained under royal patronage until the French Revolution in 1789. It continued to flourish in the 19th century and still operates today. This footed bowl was designed in modified Italian Renaissance revival style by the factory’s artistic director, Jules Diéterle, who called it coupe de Milan (“Milan dish”). It was painted by the Sèvres specialist in flowers, Charles Barriat, according to a complex design of both brilliantly naturalistic and highly stylized floral motifs. The decoration also incorporates geometric patterning around the bowl’s rim that is mirrored on its wide foot. Sèvres was famous for its colors, employing talented chemists responsible for developing new effects and perfecting those already in use.