Napoleon III (1808–1873), Emperor of the French

Art Historical Context

This exquisite biscuit porcelain medallion, *Napoleon III (1808–1873), Emperor the French*, captures the profile of France's Second Empire ruler in a remarkably intimate scale—measuring just 3 1/8 inches in diameter. Produced in 1867 by the Sèvres Manuf and modeled by sculptor Jules-Constant Peyre it exemplifies the factory's mastery of porcelain artistry during Napoleon III's reign. Biscuit porcelain, unglazed and matte like fine marble, was a Sèvres specialty ideal for detailed sculptural portraits, lending a classical elegance to modern subjects. Peyre's precise modeling highlights the emperor's noble profile, evoking ancient Roman coinage while celebrating contemporary imperial power. Sèvres, as the official French porcelain works, often created such pieces for elite patrons, blending technical innovation with political symbolism. Displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts collection (bequest of Mary Martin, 1938), this small gem reflects the opulent cultural life of mid-19th-century France, where porcelain became a medium for flattery and legacy-building amid Napoleon III's ambitious rule. A delightful reminder of how everyday luxury immortalized history.

About the Artist

Sèvres Manufactory|Jules-Constant Peyre · 1740–present

The Sèvres Manufactory, one of Europe's premier porcelain producers, was established in 1740 as the Manufacture de Vincennes under the patronage of Queen Marie Leszczyńska, who sought to rival Meissen and Chantilly porcelains with French soft-paste innovations. Initially a private venture, it relocated to Sèvres in 1756 in a purpose-built facility designed by architect Laurent Lindet near Madame d...