Dessert Plate with a Scene from the Fable of the Wolf and the Stork

This dessert plate, and the set it is a part of, was produced by the Sèvres Manufactory. Founded in 1740 in Vincennes, France, the porcelain manufactory was moved to Sèvres, France in 1756. Louis XV became the principal shareholder of the enterprise in 1759, making it the Royal Porcelain Manufactory. The factory employed scores of chemists, craftsmen, designers, and artists. The products that emerged from the factory were necessarily collaborative—requiring contributions from multiple craftsmen to complete a single piece. 

The manufactory was consistently innovative with the colors and designs they produced in order to remain competitive with the Meissen Manufactory in Germany and to appeal to their royal patrons.

While no longer a royal manufactory, Sèvres Manufactory is still functioning. It is now part of Cité de la céramique–Sèvres et Limoges. The “Ceramic City” includes two museums along with the manufactory. A stunning video showcasing their facilities, artists, grounds, collections, and even someone painting a scene on a plate can be found here. (Be sure to click the play button where it says “Discover Exceptional Creations” in the blue banner.)

Click on the full image of Dessert Plate with a Scene from the Fable of the Wolf and the Stork above to see a larger version of the work. Look closely at the plate and use these questions to guide your looking. Share your thoughts with your family at home, with a friend through a virtual conversation, or with us in a response to this email.