ВАЗОМАНИЯ В РАННЕМ ВЕНСЕННЕ-СЕВРЕ: СТИЛЬ, ЦВЕТ И ФОРМА. ОТ РОКОКО К НЕОКЛАССИЦИЗМУ

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

The focus of the study is on the dynamics of vase forms characteristic of the early phase of the Vincennes-Sèvres porcelain manufactory (or Royal manufactory). The article shows that the porcelain vases produced by that manufacturer in the first fifteen years of production are a vivid illustration of the late French Rococo, its subsequent transformation and transition to Neoclassicism. The emphasis of the research is based on the analysis of the evolution in the form and color characteristic of the early vase art of Vincennes-Sèvres (1749–1764). The research is conducted in a broad cultural background: the movement of style from the late Rococo through the so-called “Greek taste” (goût grec) to Neoclassicism, correlating with the development of scientific art history, as well as with political events, such as the Seven Years’ War, that shaped the history of France. The outcome of the study is the following conclusion. The first vases of Vincennes-Sèvres – low-functional, complex and supercomplex forms, carrying more artistic than utilitarian value, in the middle of the 18th century not only had the status of a cultural icon, but were nothing less than art objects. The fascination with such vases may be characterized as vasomania, a special kind of fashion, characteristic of the whole 18th century.