Lot Essay
The present bronze groups are later copies of models conceived originally for reproduction in biscuit de Svres by Boizot, which he exhibited in the Salon of 1786. He obviously drew his inspiration for the pieces from the earlier models of the same subject by Gaspard Marsy and Francois Giradon, erected in the garden at Versailles to decorate the Parterre d'Eau.
The Wallace collection houses a pair of earlier models of the groups, see Sculpture Catalogue p.74, pl.51, (S196 & S197). Similarly for the Marsy and Giradon models see p.65, pl.50, (S169 & S170). For further comparative literature see: S. Lami, DICTIONAIRE DES SCULPTEURS DE L'COLE FRANCAISE, AU DIX-HUITIME SICLE
The Wallace collection houses a pair of earlier models of the groups, see Sculpture Catalogue p.74, pl.51, (S196 & S197). Similarly for the Marsy and Giradon models see p.65, pl.50, (S169 & S170). For further comparative literature see: S. Lami, DICTIONAIRE DES SCULPTEURS DE L'COLE FRANCAISE, AU DIX-HUITIME SICLE