SHOWCASE 43. THE OLYMPIC SERVICE

In the 18th century, silver—the main material used for making services–was replaced by porcelain, the secret of which was closely guarded by the Chinese makers. In the early 18th century, a method of making porcelain was discovered in three European countries. In Russia, it was invented by D. Vinogradov and then perfected by M. Lomonosov. Along with Meissen in Germany and Sèvres in France, Saint Petersburg became the centre of porcelain manufacturing. The showcase contains a porcelain dessert service executed at the Imperial Sèvres Porcelain Manufactory in 1803-1806 and intended for the personal use of Emperor Napoleon. The service decorated the banquet table at the Tuileries on the occasion of the marriage of the Princess of Wurttemberg to Napoleon's brother, Jerome Bonaparte. The so-called Olympic service consists of 140 pieces. Classical mythology provided subjects of the painting. In most cases, the originals for the paintings were works of art of various countries and schools. The service was painted by the artists Adam, Jacoteau, Le Grand, Perrenaux, Renault and Tiboux and ornamented by Miquot and Livet the Elder.

Napoleon presented the service to Alexander I in 1807 to mark the conclusion of the Treaties of Tilsit.