Likely unsigned Sevres plate, we'll call it "Old Paris". Plate is excellent and is 8.75" in diameter. Courtesans and Favorites of the Court of Louis XV Portrait of Marie Anne de Mailly-Nesle, Duchesse de Chateauroux (Born: October 5, 1717, Paris, France - Died: December 8, 1744, Paris, France) She was the youngest of the five famous de Nesle sisters, four of whom would become the mistress of King Louis XV of France. This painting was probably painted after the original and very similar pose of this beauty done by Jean-Marc NATTIER, (quoting Wikipedia here) "At a masked ball on Shrove Tuesday, 1742, Richelieu led Marie Anne up to the king and introduced them. The beautiful marquise, however, at first rejected the royal advances. She already had a lover, the young duc d'Aignois (afterwards the duc d'Aiguillon), and was not inclined to give him up even for the king's sake. As a result, Louis conspired with Richelieu, who was d'Aignois's uncle, to rid himself of the young suitor. Richelieu was quite anxious to do anything to bring about a liaison between the king and Madame de La Tournelle because he knew Madame de Mailly did not view him in a kindly light. The end result of their deliberations was that Louis, in imitation of the biblical David, sent his rival to fight the Austrians in Italy. Here, more fortunate than the husband of Bathsheba, the duc d'Aignois was only wounded, and returned to the court in glory. Louis was in despair, but Richelieu sent his nephew to Languedoc, where a beautiful young lady had been instructed to seduce him. This she did most effectively; letters of a very passionate nature were exchanged; the lady despatched those which she received to Richelieu, and in due course they were brought to the notice of Madame de La Tournelle, who, furious at her young duke's deceitfullness, turned her attentions to the king." Such history - her story!
Very good to excellent condition throughout. Has been a cabinet display plate and has no marks nor chips nor cracks or hairlines to diminish the value or appeal. Likely a late 1700s to earliest 1800s plate, it is 8.75" in diameter and 1" in depth. We have a 2nd plate from same collection, Anne "Ninon" de L'Neclos,, sold separately. Look for it in our shop. Image Hosting by Ruby Lane ***BE SURE to also click our our "" icon here or above to see more of our inventory, offerings and venues. We have a HUGE assortment of the finest antiques to be found online, all at your fingertips with Antiques & Uncommon Treasure. Thanks!
