James Pradier, Phryne

Accused of impiety, Phryne appears before her judges, her lawyer (and lover) Hypéride will obtain her acquittal by revealing the fascinating beauty of this famous courtesan of ancient Greece. It was in 1844 that James Pradier sculpted this work in Carrara marble, thus confirming its success with the public. It was the Parisian publisher and founder Susse who produced this subject in different sizes in the second half of the 19th century. The copy for sale is 66cm high and has a natural medal patina. Very nicely presented according to its age, Susse Frères stamps and Pradier signature on the base. Jean-Jacques (alias James) Pradier of Geneva origin, studied drawing in his hometown, very gifted student, he was in Paris at the beginning of the 19th century, he studied painting and sculpture at the School of Fine Arts , his talent is widely recognized by numerous distinctions throughout his career. In 1831 his group "Les Trois Grâces" earned him the cross of an officer of the Legion of Honor. Nowadays the monumental works of Pradier are part of the national heritage.