Bronze, patinated
France, around 1900
After a terracotta by Clodion (1738-1814) – French sculptor of the Rococo style
Signed below ‘Clodion’
Stamped lower right ‘Fumier et Cie Successeur, Paris’
Wall relief cast
With nymph and faun dancing
Dimensions: 37 x 22.5 cm (height x width)
Very good condition

This is a rare, Bronze cast relief after a terracotta by the French sculptor Clodion (1738-1814). ‘Nymph & Faun’ is one of the most well-known and sought-after art plaques by Clodion. In the center is a nymph, holding hands with a faun and they are dancing together. On the left is a further faun in the background. The scene is surrounded by a frame of leaf décor and rocaille ornamentation. According to Greek mythology, nymphs are female goddesses who occur as personifications of the power of nature. They are considered to be the benevolent spirits of nature, who appear levitating, for example dancing as in this bronze relief.



The bronze relief bears the artist’s signature ‘Clodion’ centrally below the depiction, as well as the stamp by ‘Fumier et Cie Successeur, Paris’ on the lower right of the image in the cast. The bronze relief is in very good condition with traces of wear and age. The dimensions are 37 x 22.5 cm (height x width).



Clodion (1738-1814)

Claude Michel, known as Clodion, was a French sculptor of the Rococo style. In 1755, Clodion went to Paris and entered the workshop of his uncle, the sculptor Lambert-Sigisbert Adam. After his death, he became a pupil of J. B. Pigalle. In 1759, he was awarded the great prize of sculpture by the Académie Royale. Three years later, Clodion went to Rome. Catherine II. of Russia had called him to the court in St. Petersburg, however, he decided to return to Paris in 1771, where he became very successful and exhibited often at the Salon. Clodion worked mainly with terracotta, his favored subject matter were nymphs, satyrs, bacchants and other classical figures, which he portrayed in a sensual way. Together with his brother he also designed objects like chandeliers, watches and vases. Later he oriented himself more towards Neoclassic monumentality – the relief of the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel in Paris is a work of his. Other famous works are the statue of Montesqieu, a dying Cleopatra and a chimney piece. His sculptures and reliefs are preserved in numerous public collections (Paris, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles). (tm)

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