Lot 289A
After Francois-Nicolas Delaistre (French, 1746-1832). Portrait bust of a young woman. Biscuit sculpture, 1813. Made by Manufacture nationale de Sevres. Artist's signature and date incised on proper left side. Sevres' maker's mark, model number, and letters on verso. A refined biscuit porcelain portrait bust depicts a young woman with serene expression, her hair arranged in an elegant high chignon adorned with a ribbon and clustered curls, the matte surface emphasizing the sculptural clarity of her features in the Neoclassical taste. Executed by the Manufacture nationale de Sevres after a model by Francois-Nicolas Delaistre (French, 1746 to 1832), the work reflects the translation of marble sculpture into porcelain, preserving the crisp modeling and idealized beauty associated with his practice. Size: 5.75" L x 8.5" W x 14.5" H (14.6 cm x 21.6 cm x 36.8 cm); 17.5" H (44.4 cm) on included custom stand.
The reverse bears Sevres' maker's mark along with model number and letters, while the proper left side is incised with the artist's signature and the date 1813, situating the piece firmly within the early 19th century tradition of finely produced biscuit busts intended for display in cultivated interiors.
About the artist: Francois-Nicolas Delaistre (Paris, 9 March 1746 - 23 April 1832) was a French sculptor trained under Felix Lecomte and Louis-Claude Vasse. He achieved early distinction by winning the Prix de Rome in 1772, after which he continued his studies at the Ecole royale des eleves proteges and later at the Academie de France in Rome from 1773 to 1777. During his time in Rome, he likely formed an important association with the architect Pierre-Adrien Paris, with whom he would collaborate in later years. Among his most celebrated works is the sculptural group "Cupid and Psyche," first conceived in Rome, with a later marble version now housed in the Louvre in Paris.
About Sevres: The Manufacture nationale de Sevres stands among the most celebrated porcelain workshops in Europe, its origins tracing back to the royal manufactory founded at Vincennes in 1740 under the patronage of Queen Marie Leszczynska and later Madame de Pompadour. Relocated to Sevres in 1756 and brought under royal ownership shortly thereafter, the factory quickly gained renown for its technical innovation and artistic refinement, producing luxurious wares that rivaled the finest German porcelains. By the late 18th century, the discovery of kaolin in France allowed Sevres to master true hard-paste porcelain, elevating both the durability and prestige of its creations.
Throughout the 19th century, Sevres evolved alongside shifting artistic tastes, moving from Rococo elegance to Neoclassical restraint and later to the opulence of the Empire style, often creating works for diplomatic gifts and state use. Its production became especially known for finely modeled biscuit porcelain figures and sculptural forms that echoed marble prototypes. Still active today, the manufactory continues its legacy of craftsmanship, blending historical techniques with contemporary design while maintaining its longstanding reputation for exceptional quality and artistic excellence.
Provenance: private Owen collection, Sussex County, New Jersey, USA, acquired from Berman's Auction, New Jersey, USA, October 2004; ex-private USA collection
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#189838
- Condition: Mounted on a custom brass base. Some minor scuffs and marks in areas, but, otherwise, intact and in very good condition with impressive detail. Artist's signature and date incised on proper left side. Sevres' maker's mark, model number, and letters on verso.
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