A SEVRES (REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE) PORCELAIN CUP AND SAUCER

The rich decoration of this cup and saucer are bursting with patriotic symbolism for the newly minted French Republique (First French Republic, 1792–1804). Front and center of the teacup stands a proud and poised rooster, associated with France since ancient times. From 1792, the rooster has the role of civic denunciation. In those years, each commune was given a monitoring committee to repel threats against the revolutionary regime. Citizens are then invited to denounce hidden enemies as a neighbor uttering calls to hatred or fomenting a demonstration. While some disclosures serve private interests, most of them arise in an alert framework. The rooster becomes the representation of this surveillance. Its song becomes the synonym of the alert. It is the “whistleblower”. When French revolutionaries looked to replace symbols associated with the king (such as the Fleur-de-Lis), the rooster was quickly adopted alongside other historical and ancient symbols: encircling gilt oak leaves represent the national tree of France and berried laurel leaves have since the times of Ancient Greece stood for victory. Other ancient symbols depicting republicanism, justice, and endurance include arrows, a torch, and spears--painted here capped by the iconic phrygian bonnet. And repeated across the rim in a swirling pattern, the tricolore cockade.

Jean Le Chauvaux le jeune is recorded as a gilder and painter of patterns at the manufactory from 1764-1800.

Cyprien-Julien Hirel de Choisy is recorded as a painter of flowers and patterns at the manufactory from 1770-1812.

Henry-François Vincent le jeune is recorded as a gilder at the manufactory from 1753-1800.