The works at Vincennes where Sevres china really had its
birth were now moved to Sevres itself, where the art of
porcelain-making was gradually perfected. The plant was not far from
Versailles, where the Royal palace was, and the industry immediately
came under the control of the King.
"Then there was excitement indeed! Money was poured in lavishly that
the infant venture might have every chance to grow. The King ordered
beautiful gardens to be made about the factories, and not a week
passed that he and Madame de Pompadour did not visit the works
accompanied by a train of nobles and ladies of the Court. Madame de
Pompadour, herself something of an artist, often touched up the
decoration on a bit of china that pleased her fancy. Professional
artists also lent their aid, their designs ranging from the
shepherdesses of Watteau to copies of Chinese and Japanese
scenes. Flowers, cupids, garlands, landscapes--never was such a
diversity of decoration attempted as during the reigns of Louis XIV
and XV. As a result the output became very overdone and
ornate. Fortunately for art, Louis XVI had better taste. Instead of
continuing this garish type of design he procured a collection of
Greek vases to serve as models for his workmen, and as a result the
product came back to a more classic and less florid style.
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