CLAUDE MICHEL CLODION (Nancy, 1738 - Paris, 1814). "Faun". Polychrome terracotta. Signed on the back
CLAUDE MICHEL CLODION (Nancy, 1738 - Paris, 1814).
"Faun".
Polychrome terracotta.
Signed on the back of the base.
Size: 55 x 27 x 38 cm.
In this sculptural group, made in terracotta in round and patinated bulk, a faun is represented holding a tray with grapes. The being rests on a structure from which a small angel emerges. The work stands out for the movement and expressiveness achieved by the author through the twisted movement of the body and the expression. The carving shines with delicacy and great detail, denoting the mastery of the sculptor, who, despite choosing a theme of mythical tradition, shows us an infinite number of elements of great realism.
Claude Michel, known as Clodion, was born in Nancy, but in 1755 he moved to Paris to study in the workshop of his uncle, the sculptor Lambert Sigisbert Adam, with whom he remained for four years. After his uncle's death he became a pupil of Jean Baptiste Pigalle, Madame de Pompadour's favourite sculptor. His work soon began to be recognised and in 1759 he won the grand prize for sculpture at the Académie Royale. In 1761 he was awarded the first silver medal for studies on models, and a year later he was awarded the Grand Prix de l'Académie Royale, consisting of a pension to further his training in Italy. Clodion was very active in Rome between 1767 and 1771. On returning to Paris he set up his own studio, where he worked with his brothers depicting mythological scenes, groups of dancers, nymphs and bathers in a language somewhere between Rococo and Neoclassicism. His works were in great demand, from the Parisian salons to Catherine II of Russia. Clodion's works are held in the Louvre (Paris), the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York), the Hermitage Museum (St Petersburg), the Victoria & Albert Museum (London), the Art Institute of Chicago, the J. Paul Getty Museum (Los Angeles), the Frick Collection (New York) and the Kimbell Museum (Forth Worth, Texas), among many others.
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
CLAUDE MICHEL CLODION (Nancy, 1738 - Paris, 1814).
"Faun".
Polychrome terracotta.
Signed on the back of the base.
Size: 55 x 27 x 38 cm.
In this sculptural group, made in terracotta in round and patinated bulk, a faun is represented holding a tray with grapes. The being rests on a structure from which a small angel emerges. The work stands out for the movement and expressiveness achieved by the author through the twisted movement of the body and the expression. The carving shines with delicacy and great detail, denoting the mastery of the sculptor, who, despite choosing a theme of mythical tradition, shows us an infinite number of elements of great realism.
Claude Michel, known as Clodion, was born in Nancy, but in 1755 he moved to Paris to study in the workshop of his uncle, the sculptor Lambert Sigisbert Adam, with whom he remained for four years. After his uncle's death he became a pupil of Jean Baptiste Pigalle, Madame de Pompadour's favourite sculptor. His work soon began to be recognised and in 1759 he won the grand prize for sculpture at the Académie Royale. In 1761 he was awarded the first silver medal for studies on models, and a year later he was awarded the Grand Prix de l'Académie Royale, consisting of a pension to further his training in Italy. Clodion was very active in Rome between 1767 and 1771. On returning to Paris he set up his own studio, where he worked with his brothers depicting mythological scenes, groups of dancers, nymphs and bathers in a language somewhere between Rococo and Neoclassicism. His works were in great demand, from the Parisian salons to Catherine II of Russia. Clodion's works are held in the Louvre (Paris), the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York), the Hermitage Museum (St Petersburg), the Victoria & Albert Museum (London), the Art Institute of Chicago, the J. Paul Getty Museum (Los Angeles), the Frick Collection (New York) and the Kimbell Museum (Forth Worth, Texas), among many others.
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
