The Sevres Porcelain Manufactory: Alexandre Brongniart and the Triumph of Art and Industry, 1800-1847 was the first in-depth examination of the life and career of the longtime director of the renowned French porcelain maker and the company’s rebirth under his leadership.
Appointed director of the Sevres manufactory in 1800, Brongniart was a gifted scientist, teacher, and administrator. Bridging the philosophies of the Age of Enlightenment and the emerging Industrial Revolution, he brought his scientific side to bear on improving the way in which ceramics were made at Sevres. Brongniart also used his training to forge alliances in the industry and to work within the international marketplace to assure not only Sevres’ survival, but its commercial preeminence.
The exhibition featured 110 drawings and watercolors never before seen in the United States, as well as a number of masterful examples of Sevres porcelain drawn from private and institutional collections. It was on view at Bard Graduate Center from October 17, 1997–February 1, 1998 and was curated by Derek E. Ostergard.
Appointed director of the Sevres manufactory in 1800, Brongniart was a gifted scientist, teacher, and administrator. Bridging the philosophies of the Age of Enlightenment and the emerging Industrial Revolution, he brought his scientific side to bear on improving the way in which ceramics were made at Sevres. Brongniart also used his training to forge alliances in the industry and to work within the international marketplace to assure not only Sevres’ survival, but its commercial preeminence.
The exhibition featured 110 drawings and watercolors never before seen in the United States, as well as a number of masterful examples of Sevres porcelain drawn from private and institutional collections. It was on view at Bard Graduate Center from October 17, 1997–February 1, 1998 and was curated by Derek E. Ostergard.
