Vase

• Sèvres state porcelain manufacturer (France), mid-19th century, painted and gilded porcelain, gold-bronze decoration, height (with lid) 100 cm

The richly decorated vase shows an image of Emperor Napoleon during the wars of liberation in March 1814. After the costly battles of 1813 in Bautzen and Leipzig the general returned to French soil. On a hill rising above the town of Arcis-sur-Aube the general is expecting a victorious battle. He is posing proudly on his loyal grey stallion Marengo. Yet the victory in Arcis-sur-Aube was his last.

The blue background of the vase is decorated with gold-painted laurel branches and the imperial crown. On the back is the coat of arms of the French Empire with eagle, crown, sceptre, sword and cloak.