Collection de Vases Inventés, et Dessinés. Par M.r de Fontanieu. Intendant et Contrôleur Géné.ral des Meubles de la Couronne. Cette Collection a été faite pour Servir aux Tourneurs et à Ceux qui Ornent les Vases, Comme Fondeurs et Ciseleurs. & c. en 1770

Folio (462x335 mm). Engraved title (Niodot sculp.), engraved dedication by Fontanieu to the King Louis XV, and 27 engraved plates, 20 of which are accompanied by as many outline counterparts. Contemporary quarter calf gilt (very rubbed and worn, joints partly cracked). On the front pastedown bookplates “Ex-Libris E.V.R. Baguès” and “Ex-Libris V & R. Baguès”. As usual somewhat browned at edges.

Rare first edition of this collection of twenty vases and seven vases on plinths designed by Fontanieu for the king in a beautiful Neoclassical style.

Peter E. Fontanieu, ‘Intendant' of the crown's furniture from 1767 to 1783, member of the Academy of Sciences, the Academy of Architecture and the Academy of Stockholm, is the author of a study on how to make coloured crystals imitating precious stones and of this fascinating book of vases that reflects the change of taste from Rococo to Neoclassicism at Europe's most sumptuous court.

Fontanieu designed this series to serve as a model for the manufactures, particularly in Sèvres. The most important French porcelain factory was founded in 1740 in the royal chateau of Vincennes. In 1756 it was transferred to Sèvres, the other side of Paris, and shortly after was bought by Louis XV. The support and protection of the king and his mistress, Madame de Pompadour, enabled it to secure the best artists, sculptors, designers and chemists.

Guilmard, 42; Cohen-de Ricci, 407; Berlin Katalog, 1089; Eriksen 1984, p. 180; Jervis 1984, p. 186.

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