A Sèvres Two-Handled Cup, 1812

The present cup appears to be the example (with stand) which entered the factory showroom on 25th March 1813 described as « fond vert sujet de figures imprimé avec assiette pour plateau carte géographique de France imprimé au milieu à 120 francs» (register Vv1, f° 2). There is only one cup at 120 francs that appears on the resister of sales paid in cash, delivered in September 1815 to Mr Gally Knight (register Vz-1), member of the UK Parlement 1814-1815.

The paper labels suggest the cup depicts Charles Martel, a Frankish knight renowned for his defeat of a Saracen force at Tours in 732. The 19th century saw important figures from early French and medeival history represented in fine and decorative arts. This example from 1812 is a particularly early use of this revival in an era where the prevailing taste was for classicism and the Egyptian taste.

A cup of this model together with its stand circa 1811, painted by Swebach with a horserace scene, was sold at Christie's London, April 17, 2000, lot 91, and is now in the Collection at Château de Fontainebleau, inv. no. F 2016.23.1.