The Entrepreneur of Elegance: Claudius Innocentius du Paquier and the Birth of Viennese Porcelain Claudius Innocentius du Paquier, a name perhaps unfamiliar to many, occupies a pivotal position in the history of European ceramics. Born in Amsterdam around 1679, he wasn’t a potter himself, but rather an astute entrepreneur whose vision transformed Vienna into a significant center for porcelain production during the early 18th century. His story is one of ambition, imperial patronage, and a determined effort to replicate – and ultimately refine – the coveted artistry of Asian porcelain within…