Imperial Sèvres Manufactory, 1808—bust Of Napoleon After Chaudet—2nd Size,

Hard-paste porcelain
Stamped "Sèvres" on the front; incised "O.G." and "A.B. .12. fv. 8. n° 1"
Dimensions: H. 30 (cm.)
Sèvres, 1808

Bust in Hermès style of Napoleon Bonaparte. It is inscribed in relief with “NAPOLEON” on the front, and “Chaudet f.”, incised, on the left side. This bust is occasionally paired with a model depicting Josephine. It is the third and final version (among the “standard” versions) produced at the Sèvres Manufactory. It is also the most popular of these versions.
As early as 1804, the sculptor Antoine-Denis Chaudet (1763–1810) provided the Manufacture with a plaster model of this bust in the style of Hermes, recognized as the official portrait. Two sizes were then produced. The largest, standing over fifty centimeters tall, caused considerable difficulties during production because the clay could not withstand firing.

The Dissemination of the Emperor’s Image
These models produced at Sèvres were purchased by art collectors and royal households, but were also given as diplomatic gifts. In 1808 alone, 21 busts of the second size left the Manufactory, according to the archives [M.N.S. Vy 18]. Among them, one was intended for Desmazis, the administrator of the Imperial Garde Meuble, on March 15; two were delivered to Empress Josephine for the Imperial Palace in Bordeaux on April 20, one to General Walther on August 9, and another intended for the Emperor of Russia as a gift from Napoleon on August 20, etc...
The aim was therefore both to showcase the technical advancement represented by the production of these large bisque pieces and to convey a powerful and imposing imperial image: an ideal diplomatic gift.

Condition report: no chips or cracks; firing marks; one mark on the front has been concealed for aesthetic reasons.