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Rare Antique Sèvres Porcelain Portrait Plate – “Bonaparte” – Hand Painted & Gilded – c. 1855

A magnificent and historically significant Sèvres Imperial porcelain plate, richly decorated in Empire style and featuring a beautifully hand-painted portrait of young Napoleon Bonaparte. Executed with exceptional detail, the portrait depicts Bonaparte as a youth, dressed in early military uniform, surrounded by a golden laurel and oak wreath — symbols of victory and strength.

Set on a deep emerald green enamel background, the plate is bordered by a luxurious gilt neoclassical motif of stylized palmettes, scrolls, and drops, finely applied by hand. The inscription “BONAPARTE” appears below the portrait and again on the reverse.

🔸 Marked on the back:

• “Mre Imple de Sèvres” (Manufacture Impériale de Sèvres), in red, indicating production during the Second Empire (Napoleon III, circa 1852–1870).

• Painted decorator’s initials: E.F., in blue underglaze.

• Dealer label: “Beauvoir S.A.R.L. Antiquités – Nice – Garanti Ancien” confirming authenticity and provenance.

📏 Dimensions:

• Diameter: 24.5 cm (9.6 in)

🧾 Condition:

Excellent antique condition. No chips or cracks. The gilding and enamel are remarkably well preserved. Very minor wear to rim consistent with age.

🕊️ Historical Note:

The Sèvres manufactory, established in the 18th century under royal patronage, became one of Europe’s most prestigious porcelain producers. During the Second Empire, it created limited commemorative series honoring Napoleonic legacy. Portrait plates such as this one were intended for noble households or imperial collectors and remain rare and highly sought-after today.

📜 Historical Significance:

These plates were likely produced as part of a commemorative or diplomatic set glorifying the First Empire during the Second Empire period. Such series were often commissioned for state institutions, embassies, or court displays, reviving Napoleonic symbolism and heritage.

The artist with the initials E.F. was likely one of the portrait decorators at Sèvres during the Second Empire. His full name has not yet been identified, but his brushwork and high artistic quality indicate a level of craftsmanship typical of exclusive commissioned series.

In one source concerning a Sèvres cup and saucer from the late 18th century, it is mentioned that in addition to the “Sèvres” mark, the initials “y” appeared, attributed to the artist E‑F Bouillat. Although not exactly “E.F.”, the similarity is striking and suggests that the painter might have belonged to the same family of portrait artists.

🔍 Collector’s Value:

This museum-quality plate is ideal for collectors of Napoleonic memorabilia, 19th-century European porcelain, or Sèvres Imperial pieces. A timeless object of art and history.

Shipping:

The plate will be securely packed and shipped fully insured, with tracking and signature confirmation.

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