IMPERIAL PORCELAIN MANUFACTORY OF VIENNA "Terrine with lid and serving...

IMPERIAL PORCELAIN MANUFACTORY OF VIENNA "Terrine with lid and serving platter from the collection of Baron Henri de Rothschild" Imperial Porcelain Manufactory of Vienna. Sorgenthal period, ca. 1770–1810. Porcelain. Elongated, horizontally ribbed body with a relief-decorated, curving rim. Polychrome, exquisite overglaze decoration featuring large bouquets of summer flowers in the “German Flowers” style (tulips, irises, peonies) as well as scattered individual blossoms. The side handles, shaped like branches, are sculpted in relief and painted in green and purple. The domed lid features a sculpted knob in the shape of a leafy branch loop with a purple ribbon. The undersides of each piece bear the characteristic blue underglaze mark of the Vienna Bindenschild (“beehive mark”) from the period 1770–1810. In good condition, consistent with its age, with minimal craquelé glaze wear and production-related firing flaws. The large center plate has a hairline crack running down the center that has been expertly restored. The historically significant collection and gallery labels have browned with age but remain perfectly legible.
Provenance: Collection of Baron Henri de Rothschild (1872–1947), Paris (on the reverse, bearing the characteristic printed paper labels “COLLECTION de Monsieur le BARON HENRI DE ROTHSCHILD” as well as two original red lacquer seals each, Maison Popoff Antiquités, Paris, 86 Faubourg Saint-Honoré (with corresponding gallery label on the lid and underside of the vessel). Private collection, Germany.
This magnificent, museum-quality tureen with its accompanying serving platter captivates not only with its artisanal quality from the heyday of the Imperial Porcelain Manufactory in Vienna under the direction of Konrad von Sorgenthal, but also with its unbroken and historically fascinating provenance. The set originates from the famous collection of Baron Henri James Nathaniel Charles de Rothschild (1872–1947). As a member of the French branch of the legendary banking dynasty, however, Henri de Rothschild charted an unusual course: He embarked on a highly successful career as a physician and philanthropist, financing, among other things, Marie Curie’s research on radium, while also distinguishing himself as a passionate art collector, theater founder, and playwright. The distinctive paper labels of the “Collection de Monsieur le Baron Henri de Rothschild” affixed to the undersides of the pieces, as well as the original red lacquer seals, bear witness to the meticulous inventory process and the high regard in which this Imperial Viennese porcelain was held within his Parisian collection. The tureen’s journey into the art market reflects the profound upheavals of the 20th century. Following the occupation of France during World War II, the Jewish baron was stripped of his citizenship by the Vichy regime, and his entire art collection was confiscated by the Nazis. After the war, the looted treasures were returned to his heirs. A large portion of these high-caliber objects was sold in the postwar period through the elite Parisian gallery Maison Popoff Antiquités on the famous Faubourg Saint-Honoré, as evidenced by the gallery labels—which have also been preserved—on the objects. Thus, this lot combines masterful Viennese Classicism with a provenance of world-historical significance.