Mid 19th Century Napoléon III Style French Polychrome Porcelain Figurine by Porcelaine De Paris

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Elegant and refined polychrome porcelain figurine in the Napoléon III style, attributed to the workshops of Porcelaine de Paris and … Read more Elegant and refined polychrome porcelain figurine in the Napoléon III style, attributed to the workshops of Porcelaine de Paris and dating from around 1854 to 1860. It was most likely produced by one of the many Parisian ateliers active in the mid-19th century, part of the vibrant network of fabriques de décorateurs, though not necessarily linked to the principal manufactory. The model depicts a young woman leaning against a small fountain, rendered with remarkable finesse in the facial features, the delicately rosy complexion, and the details of her dress, all hand-painted in vibrant colors with accents of pure gold. The shaped base, decorated in the characteristic bleu de roi with floral reserves, is a distinctive element of Parisian porcelain production of the second half of the 19th century. Workshops associated with Porcelaine de Paris did not always apply a factory mark, often preferring internal numbers or initials, as is also the case with this figurine. The piece clearly reflects the qualities that made Parisian porcelain so admired: soft modeling, refined hand-painting, and an elegantly theatrical decorative taste in perfect harmony with the Romantic sensibilities of the period. An ideal piece for collectors of 19th-century French figurines and a sophisticated decorative accent for classic interiors, boiseries, bookshelves, or consoles. Historical Note on Porcelaine de Paris: “Porcelaine de Paris” does not refer to a single factory but to a constellation of workshops, decorators, and small manufactories active in the French capital from the 18th century onward. Their most intense period of activity was between 1830 and 1870, producing high-quality porcelain for an increasingly discerning bourgeois clientele. Key characteristics include: deep cobalt blue with floral reserves, generous hand-applied gilding, romantic subjects, elegant or pastoral scenes, soft modeling, and sweet, idealized faces. Decorative figurines were a particular specialty, often created for mantelpieces, consoles, dressing tables, and living-room garnitures. The absence of a mark is not an indication of lower quality: many Parisian workshops favored stylistic recognizability over signature. The figurine is in good condition. Dimensions: Width 16 cm (6.3 in), depth 13 cm (5.1 in), height 34 cm (13.4 in). See less