Biscuit-style Sculpture After Jean-baptiste Pigalle, *love Kissing Friendship*, 19th Century, Group Sculpture

A 19th-century white porcelain biscuit figurine group depicting “Love Embracing Friendship,” based on a work by the sculptor Jean-Baptiste Pigalle (1714–1785), created in 1758 for Madame de Pompadour.

This composition depicts Friendship, in the likeness of Madame de Pompadour, seated on a tree trunk, tenderly welcoming a young, winged Cupid who is reaching up toward her to kiss her.

The young woman, dressed in an antique-style gown, leans toward Cupid.
The group rests on a terraced base with cut corners, adorned with flowers, foliage, and a quiver—a traditional attribute of Love.

The modeling displays meticulous craftsmanship, particularly in the facial expressions, the rendering of the hair, the delicacy of the hands, Cupid’s wings, and the numerous folds in the clothing.

The sculpture bears the signature “Pigalle” in relief on the tree trunk, accompanied by a monogram.
The model number 875 appears beneath the base.

Jean-Baptiste Pigalle (1714–1785) was one of the leading French sculptors of the 18th century. Trained in Paris and then in Rome, he was admitted to the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture in 1744. His work, which combines naturalism and sensitivity, earned him numerous commissions from the court of Louis XV, notably from Madame de Pompadour.

The original work, titled “Love Embracing Friendship,” was carved in marble in 1758 for Madame de Pompadour, who intended it for the Château de Bellevue. The composition symbolically evokes the evolution of the relationship between Louis XV and his mistress, with friendship having succeeded romantic passion.

The original marble sculpture, measuring 142 cm in height, is now housed at the Louvre Museum in Paris.

Our set is a bisque porcelain reproduction of this iconic composition from 18th-century French sculpture.

35 cm tall

Very good condition.