LOT DETAILS

Materials:

terracotta

Size Notes:

29 x 16,7 x 12,8 cm ; 11 by 6? by 4 in.

Edition:

The present sketch is typical of this type of production and can certainly be compared to The Faithful Friendship in the National Museum of Stockholm (inv. no. NMSk 2347). Exhibited in the 1795 Salon, the Stockholm terracotta is distinctive for the way it combines 'Love' and 'Friendship', two themes that were held dear by artists of the second half of the eighteenth century. This work and the present sketch present the same subject in a similar composition: the figure symbolising Friendship is accompanied by a dove and shown barefoot, her toga revealing her breast and her right hand gently resting on her heart. There are however some differences between the sketch and the final work presented at the Salon: the broken column has become an altar decorated with symbols of love, such as Cupid and doves. Additionally, the dog a symbol of fidelity that the Bacchante is stroking has been substantially modified in terms of both its size and position. Finally, although the Stockholm version has a less elaborate base, it is decorated with a basket of flowers.

Description:

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Markings:

Jean-Baptiste Stouf (1742-1826)