Large French Bronze Group “Triton and Sea Putti” After Clodion, Grand Tour c.1820

Details

Description

This impressive early 19th-century French bronze depicts a dynamic group of three sea putti, inspired by the work of Clodion … Read more This impressive early 19th-century French bronze depicts a dynamic group of three sea putti, inspired by the work of Clodion (Claude Michel). One putto, acting as a young Triton, raises a conch shell to the waves while the others twist and play around him. The composition is modelled with the fluid Rococo movement and expressive charm associated with the École de Clodion.

Cast circa 1820 during the French Restoration period, the sculpture is made entirely in solid patinated bronze, including its rare integrated bronze base. The exceptional weight, thick-walled casting, and refined surface work reflect techniques used by leading early 19th-century Parisian ateliers. The craftsmanship shows strong stylistic alignment with pieces produced in the manner of the Gonon Frères foundry, known for their heavy, unified castings and meticulous chasing.
The bronze retains its original warm patina with finely executed ciselure visible in the hair, drapery and anatomy. The unified base, created through a hybrid of lost-wax and sand-casting methods, gives the sculpture a superb sense of presence and durability typical of high-quality Grand Tour works of this period.
Details
France, c.1820
Material: Solid patinated bronze with integrated cast base
Style: After Clodion; in the manner of early 19th-century Parisian founders
Dimensions: H 52.5 cm × W 41.5 cm × D 39.5 cm (48 cm widest span)
Weight: Approx. 35 kg

From a distinguished private collection in Surrey, curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.
Collectors of early 19th-century French bronzes — notably figures such as the Marquis de Sommariva (1755–1829), celebrated for his admiration of the Clodion school and for assembling one of Europe’s most refined collections of Parisian sculpture — greatly valued bronzes of this character. Works featuring Triton themes, lively sea putti and richly patinated, dense Restoration-period casting were especially prized within such sophisticated collecting circles.


Dimensions
Height: 52.5 cm
Width: 41.5 cm
Depth: 39.5 cm
Widest span: 48 cm
Weight: Approximately 35 kg — exceptionally heavy for its size, and beautifully balanced. See less