étienne Blavet (1751–1827) Group Of Putti In Gilded Bronze And Marble, Empire Style, Early 19th Century

Étienne Blavet (1751–1827)
Became a master founder in 1772.
“He begins by picking flowers”
Group sculpture in gilded bronze and white Carrara marble
Paris, circa 1810
H. 31; 21; 14 cm

This sculpture depicts a putto picking a flower. Entirely crafted from bronze and chiseled with great skill, it rests on a mercury-gilded bronze base featuring naturalistic decoration. The rectangular base, carved from a solid block of white Carrara marble, is covered with a very rich gilded bronze decoration in the Neoclassical style. This group was once part of a pair with another piece titled “He Ends Up Bearing Fruit ”

A rare depiction
After extensive research, the authorship of our group can be attributed to Etienne Blavet, a prominent foundryman who was granted master status under Louis XVI in 1772. Although he had a distinguished career, unfortunately, very few of his works are known to us today. A thorough archival study is needed for this virtuoso master, whose skill is on par with that of Galle or Ravrio.

Bibliography:
J.D. Augarde, “A New Perspective on Bronze and Bronze Casters under the Directory and the Empire,” in: L’Estampille//Objet d’Art 1 (2005); p. 84.

Webography
A complete set was offered for sale at AGUTTES, Classical Arts: Furniture, Sculptures, and Works of Art, Neuilly-sur-Seine, auction of April 20, 2021, lot 140. Sold for €7,800

An identical piece, but mounted as a lamp, from a major collection in South Carolina (United States of America), LELAND LITTLE AUCTIONS, Decorative Art Auction, June 13, 2025 sale