Large Mythological Group Claude Michel, Said Clodion (1738-1814)

Group in the round, representing a female faun holding her baby on her knees, and Bacchus playing at their feet on a naturalistic terrace. Sculpture signed "Clodion" on the back. The whole rests on a fluted column with a square quadrilateral base with concave corners in gray marble surrounded by a gilt bronze disc. The faun and her child are girded with vine leaves, the child holds out a cup to Bacchus. This one lying on a bed of vine branches gives him in exchange a bunch of grapes. the thyrsus, of Bacchus is placed on the bed of foliage. All the attributes of Bacchus are present in this magnificent composition whose quality of carving is matched only by the depth of its patina. Dimensions: Height 57cm. Claude Michel, known as Clodion, born December 20, 1738 in Nancy, died March 29, 1814 in Paris, nephew of the Adams, pupil of Pigalle and son-in-law of the sculptor Pajou, he stayed in Italy for nine years where he discovered Roman terra cotta and Hellenistic in the excavations of Pompeii. From then on, ancient art inspired Clodion, who specialized in terracotta, ceramic sculpture and decorative bas-relief. He was one of the most representative French sculptors who worked in the racaille style. During the reign of Louis XVI, Clodion carried out important commissions with different relief techniques and sculptures in the round. He practiced bronze casting and terracotta firing and excelled in casting mythological and allegorical figures, such as groups of intertwined dancers, nymphs, satyrs and bacchantes or dancers in terracotta. Clodion also left behind examples of his master in marble work in which he was also a recognized expert. In 1755, Clodion went to Paris and entered the studio of the sculptor Lambert-Sigisbert Adam, his uncle. On the death of his uncle, he became a pupil of JB Pigalle. In 1759 he won the grand prize for sculpture from the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture and in 1761 he received the first silver medal for the studies of his models. He left for Italy in 1762 and shared a studio with Jean-Antoine Houdon. A member of the French Academy in Rome, he quickly succeeded. He made marbles for Empress Catherine II and for the Duke of La Rochefoucauld. In 1771, Clodion returned to Paris and was wildly successful. He exhibits regularly at the Salon. He collaborated with the architect Brongniart between 1775 and 1782 to create the stone decoration of the financial hotel Bouret de Vézelayet and the facade of the Capuchin convent. He also decorated the bathroom of the Hôtel de Besenval. The artist, one of the references of monumental sculpture at the beginning of the reign of Louis XVI, created for the king a statue of Montesquieu which was intended for the Grande Galerie du Louvre. The marble statue was exhibited at the Salon in 1783. He worked on public monuments in Paris, such as the execution of the marble relief of the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel. General conditions of sale and delivery: The price indicated on the advertisement includes delivery throughout metropolitan France. For Germany, Belgium, Italy or Spain contact us for a quote. For the United States, Europe outside the Community or the rest of the world contact us for a quote but the import taxes applicable in each country remain your responsibility. The packaging and the follow-up of the transport are ensured by ourselves or by professional carriers specialized in Works of art.