The present bacchanalian group by Carrier-Belleuse is undoubtedly an intentional evocation of the style of Claude-Michel Clodion (d.1814). Carrier-Belleuse unashamedly described some of his own groups as "genre de Clodion", an overt admittance of his admiration for this sculptor who more than any other was instructive in the crisp flexibility of clay. Here, Carrier-Belleuse has not merely imitated the style of figure and subject-matter of his predecessor, but has also included his favourite attributes - the thyrsus and tambourine - to complete the pastiche.