Rosa Pompadour: Featured Exhibit of the Month in Decorative Arts

The National Museum of Decorative Arts in Cuba presents its featured January exhibition: Rosa Pompadour: Power and Beauty at the Court of Louis XV.

Curated by Manuel Alejandro Landín García and preserved by Irving Alfaro Ferrer, the selection showcases two lidded porcelain vases from Sèvres, adorned in the exquisite Rosa Pompadour hue. These 18th-century pieces were part of the private collection of Cuban magnate Oscar B. Cintas. Featuring a pink base, the vases are embellished with floral and pastoral scenes, white accents, and golden laurel garlands on each side, as detailed by the museum on Facebook.

The National Museum of Decorative Arts in Cuba boasts an extensive collection of Sèvres porcelain, ranging from dinnerware and teacups to vases of various sizes. This collection exemplifies the full spectrum of colors used by the celebrated French porcelain manufacturer.

Rosa Pompadour, a signature pink shade developed by Sèvres in 1757, was named in honor of Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, better known as Madame de Pompadour. The mistress of Louis XV from 1745 to 1764, Madame de Pompadour was a fervent patron of Sèvres porcelain, cementing her legacy in the history of decorative arts.

Established in the mid-18th century in Sèvres, France, the porcelain factory quickly rose to prominence as one of the most important in Europe and the world. Today, Sèvres continues to produce highly sought-after pieces, blending tradition with contemporary aesthetics.

The historic creations of Sèvres set enduring trends in European porcelain, with its most iconic works emerging during the Louis XV period. These pieces are characterized by ornate rococo designs and lavish gilding. Over the centuries, Sèvres has evolved through various artistic phases, styles, and materials, yet its signature use of vivid colors remains its hallmark. The cobalt blue or lapis lazuli, jonquil yellow, meadow green, royal blue, and Rosa Pompadour are among the most distinctive shades in its repertoire.

Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez