A FRENCH PORCELAIN RECTANGULAR PLAQUE, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

Henri du Vergier, comte de la Rochejaquelein (1772-1794) was the second son from a family of fighting stock who is today remembered as one of the bravest commanders in French military history. Beginning is military career at thirteen with the Royal Polish, his father’s regiment, he joined the constitutional guard at Versailles. Remaining in Paris following the disbandment of the guard he was involved in skirmishes at the Tuileries on the "terrible" 10^th August 1792 and was amongst the loyalists who escaped the capital to return to his home county, becoming involved in the War of the Vendée. He took part in several swift actions against the French Revolutionary Army including the taking of Bressuire and the Battle of Fontenay-le-Comte and was later elected commander-in-chief of the Catholic and Royal Army, despite his youth. Indeed, he is today remembered by the rousing quote whilst addressing a crowd of his countrymen “Friends! If my father were here, you would have confidence. As for me, I am only a boy, but I will prove that I deserve to lead you. When I advance, do you follow me; when I flinch, cut me down; when I fall, avenge me!”. He was killed by two soldiers of the Revolutionary Army on 28^th January 1794 whilst trying to accept their surrender. `Monsieur Henri' soon acquired the legendary status of Catholic Crusader, Roman commander and romantic hero. Whilst the rebellion in the Vendée faltered the royalist cause was continued by Henri’s brother, Louis, who acquitted himself during the Hundred Days before also falling in battle in 1815. The following year Henri’s remains were disinterred and laid at the altar of St. Sebastian in the Church of St. Peter, Cholet. Pierre-Narcisse Guérin’s heroic portrait showing the injured Henri at Martigné-Briand, the embodiment of youth and vigour before a fluttering banner inscribed with the royalist cry VIVE LE ROI in the royal colours of white and gold did much to cement this reputation. A portrait of Louis Duverger of circa 1819 by Guérin is pendant to this work and is typical of the post Napoleonic desire to represent boyish royalist heroes. 

Louis-Bertin Parant (active 1806-1841) was a painter active at Sèvres and other factories particularly painting in the cameo style. Probably his most celebrated work is the Table of the Great Commanders of Antiquity in the Royal Collection which he was responsible for the portrait bust cameo decorated in collaboration with Antoine Béranger.