38 - SAINT CLEMENT

SAINT CLEMENT An exceptional wall-mounted flower vase with a revolutionary interior design: on the front, monarchical France, with her foot resting on a globe adorned with the Fleur-de-lis; beside her are the three estates of the realm depicted as three young children. The first, wearing a military helmet, represents the nobility. The second, with a tonsure and holding a crozier, represents the clergy. Finally, the third, wearing a straw hat and holding a sheaf of wheat and a pruning knife, represents the Third Estate. On one side is the Law, depicted with a tricolor cockade and a ship’s rudder; on the other side are a painter’s palette, a cannon, two National Guard flags, and Hope. (chips on all three feet, pitting along the rim of the body, a chip on one spout) 18th century Length: 30 cm Height: 21.5 cm The overall decoration allows it to be dated to after the Fête de la Fédération (July 14, 1790) and before the flight to Varennes. This flower vase was the centerpiece of an extraordinary three-piece set. The other two flower vases, similar in shape but smaller, belonged to the Claimpanain collection; sold in Paris on May 29, 1923 (lot No. 135, 2,700 francs, sold to Sceaux). Provenance: - *Céramiques anciennes* by C. Perlès, volume 11, p. 78.