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Lot Essay
Sèvres began producing this group shortly after Falconet's original marble was exhibited in the 1763 Salon. For a similar model and discussion of sales in the Sèvres archives see M.N. Pinot de Villechenon, et al., exhibition catalogue, Falconet Sèvres ou l'art de plaire, 1757-1766, Paris, 2001, pp. 171-2, cat. no. 98b and p. 94, cat. no. 7 for the marble group of Pygmalion et Galate or Pygmalion au pied de sa statue, l'instant où elle s'anime (illustrated p. 40). The marble attracted great admiration and Diderot commented on Falconet's ability to capture the moment of Pygmalion's amazement: 'O la chose précieuse que ce petit groupe de Falconet...O Falconet comment as-tu fait pour mettre dans un morceau de pierre blanche la surprise, la joie et l'amour fondus ensemble'.
Etienne-Henry Le Guay l'âiné is recorded as a painter of friezes and as a gilder at the factory from 1748 to 1749 and from 1751 to 1796.
Etienne-Henry Le Guay l'âiné is recorded as a painter of friezes and as a gilder at the factory from 1748 to 1749 and from 1751 to 1796.