A very rare Sevres plate from the service for Napoleon’s mother, Laetitia Bonaparte (Madame Mère), circa 1802

Painted with an underglaze-blue cavetto and laurel wreaths surrounding a central gilt starburst, a wide band of loosely bound flowers including roses scrolling below the blue rim picked out with bands of single flower heads alternated with stylised leaves.

24.7cm diameter

Sevres in blue script and artist’s signature Sn.

Minor loss of gold, otherwise excellent condition

No signs of damage or restoration

The service consisted of 70 pieces, including 48 plates, at a total cost of 3000 francs. See Camille Leprince, Napoléon Ier & la Manufacture de Sèvres (2016), no. 17.