Darte Frères - Paris, Circa 1800 - Set Of Six Consulate Porcelain Dinner Plates

The Darte factory
Originally three brothers, they launched their porcelain manufacturing and trading business in 1795, purchasing a factory on Rue de Charonne and opening a shop in the Palais Royal at the same time. In 1804, they amicably parted ways. Thus, brothers Louis Joseph and Jean François founded a new company, retaining the name Darte Frères and setting up shop on Rue de la Roquette, while Joseph Darte continued under the name “Darte Ainé à Paris” and set up shop on Rue de Popincourt. The brothers prospered (employing 80 to 100 workers in peacetime). An advertisement from 1809 announced that the factory bore the title “Porcelain Manufacturer of H.I.H. Madame Mère de S.M. L'Empereur et Roi” (Her Imperial Highness, Mother of His Majesty the Emperor and King). 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 up the assets of the struggling company. In 1824, Louis Joseph went into partnership with one of his sons, Auguste Remi, but the business went under a year later. In 1828, bankruptcy was declared.

Condition report: excellent condition, very fresh.