American Friends of the Château de Fontainebleau

A tale of leisure at Fontainebleau Among the hidden treasures of the Château de Fontainebleau, the Pond Pavilion has long caught the eye of visitors with its romantic allure. This gazebo, situated on an islet in the middle of the Carp Pond, was designed by architect Louis Le Vau for Louis XIV and built in 1662. With its extraordinary panoramic view of the château, pond, and royal gardens, the structure provided an excellent setting for light meals, entertainment, and relaxation during the time of the French monarchy and well into the 19th century, during the First and Second Empire. Frequenters also found themselves surrounded by a myriad of leisurely activities as fanciful boats glided on the pond. Inside, a rich painted décor by Charles Moench flaunts multi-coloured birds, butterflies, fruits, and botanical elements. Urgent repairs needed The pavilion's particular setting has also exposed the structure to serious hazards and complicated repairs. Unfortunately, the irreversible loss of the painted décors is a real possibility . Rising damp has caused substantial damage to stonework – especially the foundation, exterior paving, and interior tiles – as well as the painted wood paneling. Works done in recent years have improved the general condition of the pavilion, but a complete restoration is necessary to save this treasure for posterity. The restoration project concerns the pavilion in its entirety and addresses both structural issues and the artistic elements. Get involved, help preserve this pearl! The Pond Pavilion is a unique relic of leisurely activities at Fontainebleau and an inseparable part of the Carp Pond. We are calling on the Château's devotees to ensure that this centuries-old pearl continues to inspire and provide relaxation. Once restored, the pavilion will open for special visits. It could also be the perfect destination for your future private dinner, cocktail, or tea. Want to discuss our projects? 💬 Eric Grebille, Head of Sponsorship Telephone: (+33) 01.60.71.57.92 / (+33) 06.87.40.14.34 Email: eric.grebille@chateaudefontainebleau.fr → Other ways to support the Château de Fontainebleau ← Discover all of our current projects or leave a gift in your will Alternative ways to give: For gifts by check: Write your check to KBFUS, write " American Friends of the Château de Fontainebleau-Restoration " in the memo section of the check, and send it to KBFUS, 551 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2400, New York, NY 10176. Gifts by wire transfer or to contribute other types of property: Email KBFUS at: info@kbfus.org or phone (212) 713 7660.

Art of empire: rare Napoleonic porcelain Since 2016, the Château de Fontainebleau has actively pursued the acquisition of an exceptional series of Empire-era porcelain services produced by Sèvres. In addition to their incredible beauty, these fine works of art were symbols of imperial power. The services, currently held by a private collector, will find their place in the Château's Napoleon Museum, one of the world's finest Napoleonic collections. The Château has already purchased three of seven lots – help us further enhance the museum's Napoleon exhibition with these remarkable artefacts! Two of the remaining lots are of high priority: Empress Marie Louise Vase This vase is decorated with a portrait of Empress Marie Louise clothed in a black velvet travelling dress and hat richly adorned with white feathers. In 1814, it was gifted by the emperor to his sister-in-law Catherine, the former Queen consort of Westphalia, who was taking refuge in France. It is an exceedingly rare unofficial image of Marie Louise. The distinctive "fuseau" (spindle) shape of the vase is a neo-classical Empire fashion that evokes the ancient amphora. Egyptian Breakfast Service In 1813, the Duchess of Montebello received this this breakfast service or "cabaret". It is one of seven Sèvres services based on images from Vivant Denon's Travels in Lower and Upper Egypt (1802). Egyptian themes were in vogue during the period following Napoleon's failed military campaign in Egypt, and French decorative arts combined them with earlier styles. Other recipients of this exclusive service included Tsar Alexander I, Empress Josephine, Marie-Louise, and Napoleon himself. The service is complete and includes a teapot, bowl, milk jug, sugar bowl, six cups, and six saucers, decorated with Egyptian landscapes and portraits. The teapot is especially outstanding: it is the only known Sèvres piece with a wholly Egyptian form and snake-shaped spout. Want to discuss our projects? 💬 Eric Grebille, Head of Sponsorship Telephone: (+33) 01.60.71.57.92 / (+33) 06.87.40.14.34 Email: eric.grebille@chateaudefontainebleau.fr → Other ways to support the Château de Fontainebleau ← Discover all of our current projects or leave a gift in your will Alternative ways to give: For gifts by check: Write your check to KBFUS, write " American Friends of the Château de Fontainebleau-Acquisition " in the memo section of the check, and send it to KBFUS, 551 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2400, New York, NY 10176. Gifts by wire transfer or to contribute other types of property: Email KBFUS at: info@kbfus.org or phone (212) 713 7660.