The JB monogram incised on the surface of the base is for Jean-Jacques Bachelier in his role as director of the sculpture workshop, 1751-1757 and again 1766-1773.
The F incised on the side of the base at the back is for Etienne-Maurice Falconet in his role as director of the sculpture workshop, 1757-1766.
It is rare for a pair of these figures to appear on the market. Another from the collection of Elizabeth Parke Firestone was sold Christie's New York, 21-22 March 1991, lot 146.
First modelled in 1766 by Falconet, the subject l'Oracle was a play Sainte Foix in which the charming scene of tying the cravat was played in 1748 by Madame de Pompadour and the duc de Nivernais before the King. The two characters are called Alcindor and Lucinda.
La bergère des Alpes is from a play by Marmontel. Another example of was in the Sainsbury collection, sold Sotheby's London, 5 May 1970, lot 38.
The character were called Fonrose and Adelaide. The pair of groups sold for 120 livres.