Eating and work table (one of a pair)

Bernard II van Risenburgh|Sèvres Manufactory|Bernard III van Risamburgh

ca. 1758–65 · Oak, vernis Martin, soft-paste porcelain, gilt bronze · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

In 1751, the Marquis de Courteille (1696–1767) was appointed by Louis XV as the administrator of the Sèvres porcelain manufactory. In fact, several shapes produced at the factory were named for him, including in 1761 a tray, the so-called “plateau Courteille.” Two such trays are used as the top and lower shelf of this small table or chiffonnière. The mother and child depicted on the upper tray have recently convincingly been identified as Courteille’s wife and daughter Madeleine and the table probably belonged to him. The implements on the lower shelf suggest the various accomplishments of the young woman.–

Artist

Bernard II van Risenburgh|Sèvres Manufactory|Bernard III van Risamburgh

Date

ca. 1758–65

Medium

Oak, vernis Martin, soft-paste porcelain, gilt bronze

Culture

French, Paris and Sèvres

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Samuel H. Kress Foundation, 1958