Some Parisian sales, with museum-worthy pieces

1. Manufacture impériale de porcelaine de Sèvresand Jean-François Robert (1778-1870)
Plate from the Emperor’s private service, 1811
Porcelain - 23.2 cm
Sale Christie’s Paris on 21 November 2024
Photo: Christie’s

See the image in its page

19/11/24 - Art Market - Paris - Will the Château de Fontainebleau be shopping at Christie’s tomorrow afternoon? It’s not out of the question - we hope so, but don’t really believe it, given the high estimates - as two dessert plates from the Emperor’s private service, known as the "service des quartiers généraux", are up for sale.
As Sèvres is busy with a major acquisition that we hope will be a success (and which we will no doubt discuss shortly), it is unlikely that it will be able to acquire the first, which would be a welcome mise en abyme as it represents the Sèvres manufactory (ill. 1). The second, depicting the meeting between Napoleon and Tsar Alexander, would be wonderful for the Musée Napoléon I in Fontainebleau.

2. Manufacture royale de la Savonnerie, Chaillot workshop, c. 1650-1655
Carpet
Wool - 392 x 246 cm
Sale Christie’s Paris on 21 November 2024
Photo: Christie’s

See the image in its page

Many important works will be auctioned in this Exceptional Sale. Also of note is an incredibly fresh Savonnerie carpet from the Manufacture Royale de la Savonnerie, in the Chaillot workshops, dating from the mid-17th century (ill. 2), a work we would dream of this time for the Musée du Grand Siècle in Saint-Cloud, which seeks to showcase all the artistic productions of the period.
Another museum work in the same sale would be a remarkable addition to the Louvre: a marble bust of Oliver Cromwell by the British sculptor Francis Harwood, who was active in Rome in the 18-th century (ill. 3). Harwood is best known for his copies of ancient works, and this is a rare exception, with particularly fine craftsmanship.

3. Francis Harwood (c. 1726/1727-1783)
Bust of Olivier…