Circle of Claude Michel, called Clodion (1738-1814) French, circa 1800

Overall the condition of the terracotta is very good. here is some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are very fine hairline firing fissures throughout the smooth parts of the surface consistent with material. There are some remnants of a slip. The big toe of the proper left foot was restored. The tips of the reeds near her proper left knee and the proper left wing of the dove at the front were lost. There are a few minor chips to the left upper edge of the base. There is some minor wear to the wood base around the inner edge at the top.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Clodion was the greatest Rococo sculptor active in France in the latter half of the 18^th century. Trained by his uncle Lambert-Sigisbert Adam, he won the Prix de Rome in 1759, and shared a studio with Jean-Antoine Houdon during his Italian sojourn. He returned to Paris in 1771, and, after becoming an associate of the Royal Academy in 1773, exhibited regularly at the Paris Salons. Clodion is celebrated for his much sought-after sensual terracotta statuettes with classicising subjects, predominently frolicking putti, bacchantes and idealised youths. Following the French Revolution, Clodion’s Rococo sculptures fell out of fashion and his career never recovered; he died in penury in 1814.

This beautiful statuette is part of a series of female subjects sculpted by Clodion during the 1780’s. Note the wonderful play of surface textures, and the attention given to the vase, which is adorned with tresses of roses and has a handle formed from intertwining serpents. A particularly fine version of the present subject was sold at the Drouot on 6 March 2013, lot 230 for €70,000. The high quality of the modelling seen in the present terracotta indicates that it was produced during Clodion’s lifetime, possibly by a sculptor operating within his workshop.

RELATED LITERATURE
A. L. Poulet and G. Scherf (eds.), Clodion 1738-1814, exh. cat. Musée du Louvre, Paris, 1992, p. 310, fig. 156