Set of Six Plates, in the Sèvres style, France,...

Set of Six Plates, in the Sèvres style, France, Circa 1880 Porcelain Diameter : 24.5 cm ; Depth. 3.5 cm Nice set of six porcelain plates, including two plates decorated with gilded branches on a deep blue background, and decorated on the rim with four polychrome flower bouquets in oval cartouches, and four palm plates decorated in the center with polychrome flower bouquets on a white background and on the rim with three birds in landscapes set in oval cartouches formed by garlands of gilded flowers standing out against a deep blue background. Some plates bear a double blue interlaced L with the letter-date M for 1764, and the painter's marks N for Francois-Joseph Aloncle (Oiseaux, Animaux, Attributs) and C for Couturier (Dorure). Biography: The Manufacture de Sèvres, a center for the production of soft-paste porcelain, was founded around 1738 in Vincennes by bankers and financiers in the hope of discovering the secret of hard-paste porcelain, already known in Meissen. In 1753, Louis XV, King of France, became the main shareholder in the factory, which he transferred to Sèvres, closer to Versailles and the Château de Bellevue, owned by the Marquise de Pompadour. The Marquise, very interested in Sèvres' research, encouraged and supported production. In 1759, the King became the sole shareholder in the Manufacture, now owned by the Crown. From this date onwards, all works produced at Sèvres were signed with the royal cipher, two interlaced "Ls", and a letter indicating the year of manufacture. From 1756 to 1779, Sèvres enjoyed its heyday. To support Sèvres, Louis XV placed sumptuous orders, which he presented as diplomatic gifts. The greatest artists of the time, such as the painter Boucher and the sculptor Falconet, worked for Sèvres. Research into the technique for producing hard-paste porcelain continued until 1769. From this date onwards, the Manufacture successfully produced both soft- and hard-paste porcelain, and diversified its color range with lapis blue (1752), celestial blue (1753), green (1756), pink (1757) and royal blue (1763). The finest pieces are decorated with scenes inspired by engravings by the greatest painters, and decorated with garlands, bouquets of flowers, trophies, gilding... This luxury production continued in the 19th century, with new artists, but also reusing a number of models.