TWO SEVRES PLATES FROM THE 'SERVICE DE LA REINE' 1784

the firs  probably from the service made for and delivered to Marie-Antoinette, the second from the service made for Gustave III, each finely painted in the center with a spray of pink roses within a blue-ground band of 'pearls', the gilt-edged rim with a deep claret-ground border reserved with a  gilt-edged band of rose and cornflower sprigs interrupted by six gilt-edged roundels with alternating rose and blue grounds painted with 'pearls' and gilt beads and enclosing a pansy sprig, both with interlaced L's and date letters gg, the first with painter's mark of an axe for Pierre-Joseph Rosset, the second with an M for Pierre Massy and a B for gilder Jean-Pierre Boulanger in blue enamel, incised numeral 24 or 33.

Property of a Gentleman, sold, Sotheby's, New York November 12, 1999, lots 102 and 103

Some minor wear to gilding of the rim edges and on the gilt borders around the cavetto.
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.

In January 1784, Marie-Antoinette gave Sèvres manufactory an order to design several sample patterns 'à frise riche' (with a sumptuous border). Production of the chosen pattern began in February of that year, and according to the factory records the service was completed by early May but was requisitioned and presented as a gift to King Gustave III of Sweden by Louis XVI on June 22nd. Gustave III was clearly pleased with his gift and ordered a supplement of 73 additional pieces. Production continued on the service for Marie-Antoinette, described as 'Service decoration riche en Couleurs et Riche en Or', finally being delivered on August 26, 1784. The sister-in-law of Marie-Antoinette, the Comtesse d'Artois, commissioned another service of the same pattern in 1789.

The service and its four parts are fully discussed by David Peters, Sèvres Plates and Services of the 18th Century, Volume III, pp. 707-12, 717-18 and 721-24 and Volume IV, pp. 879-881. For a further discussion of the 'Service de la Reine', the history behind its commisson and subsequent reappearance and reassignment into its original portions as delivered, see the Sotheby's, New York, sale Catalogue, 'Service de la Reine', May 18, 1996.