Soup plate from the service presented on June 12, 1786, by Louis XVI to Archduke Ferdinand of Austria, Governor of Lombardy

In June 1786, Louis XVI purchased from the Sèvres Manufactory a service with a “bleu céleste ground, Marguerites, cornflowers, and Roses” for his brother-in-law, Archduke Ferdinand of Austria, Governor of Lombardy, who was visiting France incognito in the company of his wife. The service, intended for the Milanese court, comprised 288 service pieces, together with other porcelain items for a total cost of 24,073 livres. The 30 soup plates, including the one presented to the Louvre, were priced at 36 livres each. 

The 30 soup plates, including the one presented to the Louvre, were priced at 36 livres each.