Sèvres Extraodinaire! History and Production of the French Porcelain Manufactory of Sèvres from 1740 to the Present

From its origins in the abandoned Château de Vincennes in 1740, the Sèvres Porcelain Manufactory has produced an extraordinary variety of objects, including tableware, jewelry, plaques for furniture, and elements of architecture. Throughout its history, Sèvres has collaborated with the most innovative artists and architects of the day, including Jean-Claude Duplessis, Louis-Simon Boizot, Charles Percier, Alexandre Évariste Fragonard, Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse, Auguste Rodin, Jean Arp, Louise Bourgeois, or Ettore Sottsass to create new forms and designs, aligned with the everchanging styles and fashions. The course will provide a unique opportunity to closely examine the production and history of the celebrated manufactory through a lesser known part of its output, while bringing to light the significant role of artists, designers, and architects in making the Manufactory a success over the last 290 years. Questions of production, technique, patronage, and artistic collaboration will be addressed. Visits to museums, private collections, and auction houses will supplement seminars held at BGC. The course will preview an exhibition co-organized by the BGC and the Sèvres Museum, entitled “Sèvres Extraodinaire! Sculpture from 1740 to Today,” to open at BGC in fall 2024. Requirements include oral presentations and a final research paper of about 15 pages. 3 credits.