Niderviller-18th Century Group After A Cyfflé Model.

Large earthenware group from NIDERVILLER, 18th century. Two characters on the theme of "the dead bird" after Paul-Louis CYFFLÉ. The set is really in good condition with all the same a slight lack on the left hand of the young lady, a tiny chip on a finger of the left hand of the young man and the left ear of the sheep is missing. The theme of the young girl mourning her dead bird was illustrated twice by the painter Jean-Baptiste Greuze. A first version, presented at the Salon of 1765 and kept at the National Galleries of Scotland in Edinburgh, shows a young girl overwhelmed with grief, her head resting on one hand, her arm resting on the cage of the bird lying on her back. . The subject is interpreted by Diderot as the symbol of lost virginity: “What does this dreamy and melancholy air mean? What ! for a bird! You are not crying, you are afflicted; and the thought accompanies your affliction. There, little one, open your heart to me: speak to me truthfully; is it really the death of this bird which pulls you back so strongly and so sadly into yourself?... You lower your eyes; you do not answer. Your tears are ready to flow. I am not a father; I am neither indiscreet nor severe…”.