In the XVIIIth century silver, the main material used for making services, was replaced by porcelain, secret of which was closely guarded by the Chinese makers. In the early XVIIIth century a method of making porcelain was discovered in three European countries. In Russia it was invented by D. Vinogradov and then perfected by M. Lomonosov. Along with Meissen in Germany and Sevres in France, Saint-Petersburg became the center of porcelain manufacturing. The showcase contains a porcelain dessert executed at the Sevres manufactory in 1803-1806 and intended for the personal use of Emperor Napoleon. The service decorated the banquet table at the Tuileries on the occasion of the marriage of the Princess of Wurttemberg to Napoleon's brother, Jerome Bonaparte. The so-called Olympic service consists of 140 pieces and was painted with designs taken from Greek mythology. In most cases the originals for the paintings were works of art from various countries and schools. The service was painted by the artists Adam, Jacoteau, Le Grand, Perrenaux, Renault and Tiboux and ornamented by Miquot and Livet the Elder. In 1807 Napoleon presented the service to Alexander I to commemorate the Peace of Tilsit.
