Paris, Darte Frères Factory, Empire Period, Plate With Ornithological Decoration

Plate with ornithological decoration in the style of Buffon, emerald green rim and gold edging.
Hard-paste porcelain, painted and enhanced with gilding.
Iron red vignette mark on the back.
Paris, Empire period.
Dimensions: D. 20.5 cm.
Condition report: very good condition, minimal wear to the gilding.
The Darte factory:
Originally three brothers. They started trading and manufacturing porcelain in 1795 and bought a factory on rue de Charonne, while also opening a shop in the Palais Royal. In 1804, they separated amicably. Thus, the brothers Louis, Joseph and Jean-François founded a new company, keeping the name Darte Frères and setting up on rue de la Roquette, while Joseph Darte continued under "Darte Ainé à Paris" and set up on rue de Popincourt. The brothers prospered, so much so that in 1816, a second store opened at 16 rue Vienne. The factory participated in the 1819 exhibition and, as in 1806, won a silver medal. However, things became complicated in 1820, and three years later, the brothers divided the assets of the struggling company. In 1824, Louis Joseph joined forces with one of his sons, Auguste Remi, but the business collapsed a year later. In 1828, bankruptcy was declared.