Lot Details
Lot 382
Canton Famille Rose Armorial Porcelain Platter
From the service made for the Marques de Almendares, Cuba, circa 1843
Painted with pheasant and butterfly reserves centered by a 'jeweled' coronet above the inscription Exmo Sor Marques de Almendares within a court scene. Length 12 7/8 inches (32.7 cm).
During the 19th century, Spain saw its global empire weakened and its wealth likewise diminished. At the same time, the Spanish colonial aristocracy had grown fabulously wealthy through the international trade of sugar, coffee, tobacco and other commodities. In order to shore up its influence with its colonies, and gain much-needed revenue, the Spanish Crown bestowed titles of nobility on affluent colonists in return for large sums of money, with Cuba receiving more grants of noble titles than any other colony.
On December 4, 1842, Don Miguel Antonio de Herrera y O'Farrill (1799-1844) was granted the title of Marqués de Almendares by a Royal Patent of Queen Isabella II of Spain. A member of an aristocratic Spanish family who had built a considerable fortune in Cuba in sugar and other enterprises, Don Miguel had served as Lieutenant Colonel in the Third Rural Squadron of King Fernand VII and was influential in the construction of the Cuban railroad. Don Miguel held the title of Marqués de Almendares until his death in Havana on February 19, 1844, after which the title became vacant and remained so for eight years.
By a Royal Charter of Succession dated November 25, 1852, Don Miguel's younger brother, Don Ignacio José María de Herrera y O'Farrill (1807-1884), became the second Marqués de Almendares. The Spanish Crown would bestow further honors on Don Ignacio. He was named a Gentleman of the Bedchamber and was awarded the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic. He was also appointed to the Spanish Senate and served as a Senator of the Kingdom from 1861 until 1864.
Offered in the current auction are four lots from the Marqués de Almendares armorial porcelain service. Made in Canton, this Famille Rose service was commissioned by either the first Marqués, Don Miguel, between his elevation in 1842 and his death in 1844, or by the second Marqués, Don Ignacio, following his succession to the title in 1852. Each piece is decorated with a coronet and the abbreviation of the title, Excelentísimo Señor Marqués de Almendares.
C
Additional Notes & Condition Report
Overall good condition, minor rubbing to gilding at edges and enamel decoration
PLEASE NOTE THIS LOT HAS NOT BEEN BLACKLIGHTED
Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Doyle New York shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging.
No condition report? Click here to request one.