Pair of famille verte figures, Kangxi period ca. 1622–1722. Image Courtesy: Jérémie Beylard, Agence PHAR, and Galerie Nicolas Fournery.
A Tale of Two Worlds: European Nobility Captured in Chinese Porcelain
Immerse yourself in TEFAF Showcase exhibitor Nicolas Fournery’s display, featuring a rare and captivating pair of 18th-century Chinese porcelain figures, richly decorated in the famille verte palette
Overview
Over the course of the 18th century, Chinese porcelain artists fused European fashion with their own distinctive techniques, creating works that bridged cultural divides. A remarkable example of this fusion is a pair of porcelain figures, depicting a French gentleman, often identified as the Dauphin of France, and a lady, traditionally referred to as Madame de Maintenon or Madame de Montespan. These figures, crafted using two-piece molds and finely modeled hands, embody the spirit of early 18th-century European court fashion. This pair stands as a testament to the ongoing dialogue between East and West, where European engravings, such as those by the Bonnart brothers, inspired Chinese artisans to reinterpret European attire and symbols. These sculptures are among the earliest depictions of Europeans on Chinese porcelain, created for an elite clientele connected to the burgeoning China-Europe trade. They reflect not only artistic mastery but also the complex cultural exchanges that defined the 18th century.
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Location & Access
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