A remarkable pair of French porcelain and gilt bronze vases in the Sèvres style, richly decorated with hand-painted Napoleonic scenes — a subject highly sought after by collectors of 19th-century imperial art. The vases feature finely detailed portraits of officers on horseback, framed by lavish gilded foliate scrolls and cobalt-blue accents. The bases are adorned with floral medallions and geometric friezes in the manner of Sèvres’ Empire period.
Such pieces were often commissioned as diplomatic gifts or made for aristocratic interiors during the Second French Empire (Napoleon III), reflecting the grandeur of imperial iconography. The presence of Napoleonic imagery significantly increases their historical and collectible value.
Details:
• Date: Circa 1870
• Dimensions: Height: 34 cm (13.4 in); Width (base): 12 cm (4.7 in)
• Condition: Very good overall condition; minor chips cracks and surface wear consistent with age, visible in close-up photos.
(The photographs form an integral part of the description.)
A well-placed antique does more than decorate a room - it gives it authorship. Against a contemporary interior, older objects introduce texture, balance and a sense of permanence that cannot be replicated by newly made pieces alone.
This is the principle behind the LÜRON selection. We look for works that carry historical character with ease, and that feel as convincing in a Paris apartment as they do in a more modern architectural setting.
