a pair of plates from the dowry service of grand duchess catherine pavlovna, imperial porcelain manufactory, st. petersburg, period of Paul I (1796-1801) and Alexander I (1801-1825)

the center of the first painted with ruins and the second with a lakeside scene, the borders with floral garlands in between medallions with Italianate architecture, the base of the first inscribed "Ruines du Temple de Jupiter à Selinunte," the second inscribed "Vue d'un Lac de Castro Givani," the second plate broken and repaired 

Some rubbing to gilding of both plates. The rim of the second plate broken and repaired.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The Dowry Service for Grand Duchess Catherine Pavlovna (1788-1818) was finished between 1799 and 1802 and thus bears marks from both the era of Emperors Paul I (r. 1796-1801) and Alexander I (r. 1801-1825).  Although the service was completed well before her marriage to Prince Peter Friedrich Georg of Oldenburg (1784-1812) in 1808, it is often called the Württemburg Service because of her second marriage to Wilhelm of Württemburg after the death of her first husband.  Upon her remarriage, she moved her household, including the porcelain and other luxury items from her dowry, to her new home in Stuttgart.