This porcelain vase is one of a pair, with the other bearing the inventory number
400-0241. The two vases are identical, save for the different flowers featured in the floral bouquets on their necks.
The lip, handles, and base of the vase are made of gilt bronze. The gilded decoration on the back of the vase’s neck features a helmet in front of two crossed sceptres, surrounded by a laurel wreath. Underneath the helmet is a
cornucopia, a symbol of abundance and prosperity in the shape of a horn. This composition is reminiscent of a military coat of arms. The imperial eagle on the front of the body of the vase is also surrounded by a laurel wreath. The eagle, representing the Roman Empire and the god Jupiter, has symbolised power and triumph since Antiquity. The vase’s handles are swan-shaped, while its base stands on lion’s-paw legs. Beneath the base is an inscription reading ‘
M. Imple [Manufacture Impériale] de Sèvres’, used between 1804-1812.
The vase is in the late Neoclassical Empire style, popular in the early nineteenth century, which takes its name from the reign of Napoleon I (1804-1814). This period saw the adoption of forms and decorative elements inspired by antiquity, blended with Napoleon’s imperial emblems such as stars, the letter ‘N’, the laurel wreath, the eagle, and the bee. The Empress Joséphine’s particular fondness towards swans was reflected in the decorative elements on furniture, textiles and porcelain items made during this period. The Sèvres Porcelain Manufactory not only produced many objects depicting Napoleonic battle scenes, life at court, and portraits of the Emperor’s family members, but also employed floral decorations as a way of evoking the prosperity of the new empire.
