The Flute-playing Faun – Large 18th-century Terracotta Sculpture

Faun Playing the Flute, known as the “Little Borghese Faun”; this subject,drawn from ancient Rome, was commissioned by Louis XIV from four renowned sculptorsfor the gardens of the Palace of Versailles.

This later 18th-century example issuperbly executed.

Note the variation from the original models,namely the drapery covering the faun’s genitals, indicating an original and likelyunique work.

Good condition, no missing parts, natural patina composed oflichens resulting from long-term outdoor exposure.

Provenance: a collector from Bordeaux.

Some sources and research notes:

Sculptures in the Gardens of the Palace of Versailles

Simon Hurtrelle, Faun Playing the Flute, known as the Little Borghese Faun

Louvre Collections

History and the role of the four sculptors who reproducedthe famous Flute-Playing Faun:

• SimonHurtrelle (1648–1724): A native of Béthune, trained in Rome (atthe Académie de France), he was one of the official sculptors for the major construction projectsat Versailles and Marly. His marble copy of the Flute-Playing Faun (createdbetween 1684 and 1686) long adorned the Parterre de Latone at Versailles.
• JeanRaon (1630–1707): A seasoned sculptor and member of the Royal Academy,he produced a vast body of work for the gardens of Versailles (notably statuesfor the Apollo Fountain and copies of ancient works).
• Jean-BaptisteGoy: Also active as part of the team of sculptors working on the king’s buildings,he created his own version to satisfy the perfect symmetry required inthe parterres of the royal residences.
• Prou(or Poultier): Another collaborator with the royal administration,who participated in this mass production of masterpieces from antiquity.

It is now very difficult for art historians totrace the exact individual history of each of these four copies.Moved between Marly, Versailles, and the Tuileries Palace as part ofroyal renovations, some were confiscated during the Revolution. Today,SimonHurtrelle is still housed at the Palaceof Versailles, while other replicas from that period have found their way into thecollections of theLouvre Museum.