Advanced Search
Advanced Search

Tray made as a table top

Made at: Sèvres Manufactory (France)
French
1757

Medium/Technique Soft-paste porcelain decorated in polychrome enamels and gold
Dimensions Overall: 2.2 x 32.6 x 26.6 cm (7/8 x 12 13/16 x 10 1/2 in.)
Credit Line Bequest of Forsyth Wickes—The Forsyth Wickes Collection
Accession Number65.1784
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsCeramicsPorcelain

DescriptionThe tray is of oblong shape with lobed corners and gently undulating sides. In the corner of the large shaped reserve is a pink ground foliate motif which is slightly warmer in hue than the pink ground that surrounds the reserve. Garlands of mixed flowers are painted to create the illusion of winding both over and under the radiating elements of the motif, the gilt edges of which are feathered. A gilt starburst motif decorates the center. Mixed flowers and tendrils are painted along the outer edges of the reserve, which is framed by gilt flowers, fronds, scrolls, and a bow at the center of each long side, all of which are shaded in purple. Feathered gilt decoration fills each of the four indented corners of the tray, and a gilt dentil band decorates the rim.
Marks Interlaced Ls enclosing date letter E, painter's mark L of Denis Leve (active at Sevres 1754-93, 1795-1805) below, both in blue enamel; encised c.
ProvenancePossibly Earl of Rosebery, Mentmore Castle, England [see note 1]. By 1944, with Rosenberg & Stiebel, New York; December 28, 1944, Rosenberg & Stiebel sold to Forsyth Wickes (b. 1876 - d. 1964), New York and Newport, RI; 1965, bequest of Forsyth Wickes to the MFA. (Accession Date: December 24, 1965)

NOTES:
[1] see Jeffrey H. Munger, in "The Forsyth Wickes Collection" (1992, p. 166).