1920's Antique Bronze Statue of Children Playing Signed Clodion

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An exceptionally beautiful and richly detailed antique bronze sculpture depicting a lively classical Bacchanalian celebration, featuring two graceful female figures … Read more An exceptionally beautiful and richly detailed antique bronze sculpture depicting a lively classical Bacchanalian celebration, featuring two graceful female figures accompanied by playful cherubic children. This magnificent sculptural group captures the joyful spirit, sensual elegance, and exuberant movement associated with the celebrated French Rococo tradition. Beautifully modeled and finished with a rich, dark patina highlighted by warm bronze undertones, the composition is a wonderful example of classical-inspired decorative sculpture.

The central scene portrays two elegantly draped young women engaged in a spirited celebration, their bodies arranged in a graceful, flowing composition. The woman on the left raises one arm dramatically above her head while turning her face upward toward a playful child positioned between the figures. Her beautifully modeled features, softly arranged hair, and flowing garments convey a remarkable sense of movement and natural beauty.

The second woman stands slightly behind her companion, supporting the child upon her shoulder while raising her other arm toward her head. Her serene expression and delicately sculpted features provide a charming contrast to the animated gestures surrounding her. Together, the two women create a beautifully balanced composition filled with vitality, femininity, and classical elegance.

The children add extraordinary charm and personality to the scene. The elevated child appears to participate enthusiastically in the celebration, while a smaller cherubic figure stands beside the women, reaching upward with a playful gesture. These delightful figures bring a sense of innocence and spontaneity to the composition, creating a captivating contrast with the graceful sophistication of the adult figures.

Particularly impressive is the sculptor's treatment of the drapery. The women's garments fall in deeply modeled, flowing folds, revealing the natural contours of their figures while creating dramatic passages of light and shadow. The contrast between smooth flesh, textured fabric, and delicately rendered hair demonstrates exceptional attention to sculptural detail.

The bronze displays a beautiful deep greenish-brown patina with warm golden highlights, especially noticeable on the raised surfaces of the figures. This rich finish enhances the modeling and lends the sculpture a wonderful sense of age and character.

The entire composition rests upon a substantial circular red-and-white veined marble base, providing a magnificent contrast to the dark bronze. A decorative beaded border surrounds the bronze plinth, while a metal plaque is mounted on the front of the marble base. The combination of beautifully patinated bronze and richly colored marble creates an exceptionally handsome presentation.

This sculpture would make a spectacular focal point in a formal living room, library, entrance hall, or distinguished collection of European decorative art. Its animated composition, intricate modeling, and substantial marble base give it an impressive architectural presence.

A magnificent and highly decorative antique bronze figural group, distinguished by its graceful classical figures, playful children, beautifully flowing drapery, rich patination, and striking marble base. A captivating celebration of beauty, movement, and the enduring appeal of French classical sculpture.



Dimensions: 23.75 inches high x 14.75 inches wide x 13 inches deep. See less