La Jeune Suppliant; La Petite Fille au Tablier

These two small figurines, modeled by Pierre Blondeau after designs from François Boucher, illustrate an innovation known as “biscuit ware” by the Sèvres porcelain factory. The factory began producing these unglazed ceramics—purportedly “discovered” and popularized by Madame de Pompadour—around 1750. Impatient to see her still-unfinished order on a visit to the factory, she demanded to see the pieces and was so impressed with their marble-like appearance that she ordered them to be delivered as they were.