Boch Freres 8" dinner plate, Le Général Massena devant Zurich 3 Decembre 1799

Antique porcelain dinner plate (approximately 8 inches in diameter) produced by Boch Frères (also known as B.F. Keramis), a renowned Belgian ceramics manufacturer based in La Louvière, Belgium. Founded in 1844 as part of the Boch family's long-standing pottery tradition, the company specialized in transferware— a technique where detailed engravings are printed onto tissue paper, transferred to the ceramic, and then glazed and fired for a durable, mass-produced yet artistic finish. The backstamp reads "Made in Belgium B.F. Boch Frères La Louvière Fabrication Belge," confirming its origin and typical late 19th to early 20th-century production (circa 1(contact info removed)). The plate belongs to the "Napoleon" series, a collectible set of plates commemorating key battles and events from Napoleon Bonaparte's military campaigns. This specific design depicts "Le Général Masséna Devant Zurich 3 Décembre 1799" (General Masséna Before Zurich, December 3, 1799), an artistic representation of French forces under André Masséna during the Swiss campaign of the French Revolutionary Wars. (Note: The date on the plate appears to be a common printing error for 1899, as seen on many surviving examples; the actual historical event references the ongoing Zurich operations, including the Second Battle of Zurich on September 25-26, 1799, where Masséna's victory over the Austro-Russian army under Alexander Korsakov was a pivotal French triumph that helped secure Switzerland and weakened the Second Coalition.) The central scene is a black-and-white transfer-printed illustration showing General Masséna on horseback, gesturing commandingly amid a dramatic battlefield tableau: mounted officers in tricorn hats and sashes, infantry in formation, fallen soldiers, and rearing horses in a misty, hilly landscape evoking the Swiss terrain near Zurich. The composition captures the chaos and heroism of the era, with dynamic lines and shading for depth. Surrounding the scene is an ornate border featuring repeated motifs of Napoleon's imperial "N" monogram (crowned and encircled by laurel wreaths and classical motifs like bees, eagles, and acanthus leaves), symbolizing his empire. The overall style is Romantic and historical, blending fine art engraving with functional porcelain—ideal as a display piece or part of a collector's set. Item is in excellent vintage condition for a 100+ year-old item, retaining its glossy white earthenware body and crisp black printing. **Photos are part of description. **There are two small marks on the rim, approximately 3.5 inches apart on the right side (as shown in the attached image of the plate's edge). These appear as minor scuffs or discoloration, likely from light wear or handling over time, rather than chips or cracks. The marks are subtle and do not significantly detract from the plate's overall aesthetic or structural integrity. **There is slight round depression in the area of General Masséna's horse's mane (the area in the enlarged detail image). This seems to be a minor manufacturing imperfection or glaze irregularity rather than damage, given its smooth appearance and integration with the design. It’s not a chip or crack but rather a shallow indentation, and perfectly round, possibly from the molding process. **The back of the plate has what appears to be crazing, there is none that I could see on the front. **There are no chips or cracks. It is in very good condition for its age (circa late 19th to early 20th century). **The glossy finish and crisp transfer print on the front remain intact, & overall it is a very well-preserved piece. A fascinating conversation piece for collectors, history buffs, or anyone who appreciates the unique and beautiful.

Condition

Used (normal wear)