Étienne-Maurice Falcone, The Nymph Taking Her Bath, 1757, Bronze

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Description

Artistic explanation:

The Bathing Nymph is a masterful work of 18th-century French sculpture, created by Étienne-Maurice Falconet in 1757. This … Read more Artistic explanation:

The Bathing Nymph is a masterful work of 18th-century French sculpture, created by Étienne-Maurice Falconet in 1757. This bronze statue depicts a young naked woman in a graceful and natural pose, captured in an intimate moment as she steps into her bath.

Posture and expression:

• The nymph is depicted in a natural, fluid pose, leaning slightly forward as if she were picking up or placing a piece of fabric. This posture highlights the elegant curves and anatomical details of the female body, paying homage to natural beauty and grace.
• Details and textures: The texture of the drapery and the subtle details of the hair and skin are beautifully rendered, demonstrating Falconet's mastery of bronze. The play of light on the polished surface of the bronze adds a lively and realistic dimension to the sculpture.
• Symbolism: The choice to depict a nymph, a mythological figure often associated with nature and water, reflects the influence of classical and mythological themes in 18th-century art. This reflects the era's interest in antiquity and classical ideals of beauty.

Historical context:

• Period: The sculpture was created in 1757, a period when Rococo art was flourishing in France. This style is characterized by its elegance, refinement, and penchant for graceful and delicate subjects.
• Style: Although Falconet is often associated with Rococo, this work shows a transition to a more Neoclassical style, with a simplicity and purity of form that heralds future artistic trends.
• Patron: The work was commissioned by the financier and collector Ange Laurent Lalive de Jully, demonstrating the interest of the elites of the time in classical art and culture.
Explanations about the caster:
The exceptional quality of the casting of this sculpture is the result of the work of an expert bronze caster. At that time, casters often worked closely with sculptors to produce high-quality pieces. Renowned founders of this period included workshops such as those of Jean-Baptiste Claude Odiot and the Keller brothers, although specific documentation on the founder of this work is not always available.

Museum references:

Copies of La Nymphe prenant son bain can be found in several prestigious museums, including:
• The Louvre Museum in Paris, which has a rich collection of 18th-century French sculptures.
• The Museum of Fine Arts in Lyon, where you can also admire other works by Falconet and his contemporaries.
• The Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.

Symbolism of the work:

The Nymph Bathing symbolizes ideals of beauty and purity, the intimate relationship between humans and nature, and stylistic transitions in 18th-century art. She embodies the decorative and elegant elements of Rococo while anticipating the simplicity and grandeur of Neoclassicism. The nymph represents the ideal of feminine beauty in the classical tradition, purity and innocence, as well as a connection to nature and mythological elements.
Connection to Madame de Pompadour's daughter:
It is interesting to note that Falconet was supported by Madame de Pompadour, Louis XV's mistress and a great patron of the arts. Mme de Pompadour's daughter, Alexandrine Le Normant d'Étiolles, died young, and Falconet may have found some inspiration in the youth and beauty of this child, as well as in the influence of her mother, to create works imbued with grace and tenderness.

Biography of Étienne-Maurice Falconet:

Étienne-Maurice Falconet (1716-1791) was a French sculptor famous for his refined and elegant works. He trained at the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture and worked under the guidance of the famous sculptor Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne. Falconet quickly gained notoriety thanks to his graceful sculptures and portraits.
• Career: In 1757, Falconet was appointed director of the sculpture workshop at the Manufacture de Sèvres, where he influenced many young artists. In 1766, he was invited by Catherine II of Russia to work at the imperial court in St. Petersburg, where he created his most famous work, The Bronze Horseman, a monumental equestrian statue of Peter the Great.
• Style and influence: Falconet was a pioneer in the transition from Rococo to Neoclassicism, combining decorative elegance with classical simplicity. His work had a lasting influence on European sculpture.

In summary, The Bathing Nymph is an iconic work that perfectly illustrates Falconet's talent and artistic vision, while reflecting the tastes and artistic trends of his time. This piece has an attribution mark,
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