Lot Essay
COMPARATIVE LITERATURE
A. Poulet & G. Scherf, Clodion 1738-1814, Paris, 1992, pp. 252-259, 379-383
The present marble incorporates characteristics which suggest a sculptor associated with Clodion. The subject matter (Erigone) and the position of the figure are inspired by this master's work for Maison-Lafitte (Seine-et-Oise). However, the static movement, the heavily drilled hair embellished with vegetation and the tree trunk support issuing from a circular base are details associated with Jean-Joseph Foucou.
This sculptor, a pupil of Caffieri and a contemporary of Clodion, was an Academician and a regular contributor to the Salons from 1779-1815. His works, primilarly statues and busts in marble, as well as decorative work and small scale sculpture for collectors, are often misattributed to Clodion. Not only is Foucou's choice of subject matter (mythological and allegorical female figure) parallel to Clodion's, but his scale, medium and style are also suggestive of the master. The confusion is furthered by the fact that both sculptors were favored by the same patrons and that many of Foucou's marbles are unsigned.
A. Poulet & G. Scherf, Clodion 1738-1814, Paris, 1992, pp. 252-259, 379-383
The present marble incorporates characteristics which suggest a sculptor associated with Clodion. The subject matter (Erigone) and the position of the figure are inspired by this master's work for Maison-Lafitte (Seine-et-Oise). However, the static movement, the heavily drilled hair embellished with vegetation and the tree trunk support issuing from a circular base are details associated with Jean-Joseph Foucou.
This sculptor, a pupil of Caffieri and a contemporary of Clodion, was an Academician and a regular contributor to the Salons from 1779-1815. His works, primilarly statues and busts in marble, as well as decorative work and small scale sculpture for collectors, are often misattributed to Clodion. Not only is Foucou's choice of subject matter (mythological and allegorical female figure) parallel to Clodion's, but his scale, medium and style are also suggestive of the master. The confusion is furthered by the fact that both sculptors were favored by the same patrons and that many of Foucou's marbles are unsigned.