French school of the 19th century.

French school of the XIX century.
Pair of "Venus in the bath".
Pair of bas-reliefs in alabaster.
They show some wear and scratches.
Measurements: 31 x 24 cm; 44 x 37 cm (frames).

Pair of alabaster reliefs in oval soffits. The carving has been worked with different levels of volume in order to insufflate movement to the feminine bodies washing themselves after the bath. The author seems to be inspired by the neoclassical Venus of Christophe-Gabriel Allegrain (Paris, 1710-1795). His most famous single work is the marble Bathing Woman (La Baigneuse), commissioned for the royal residences by the Bâtiments du Roi in 1755; they showed a modeled sketch at the Salon of 1757. In 1772, Louis XV gave it to Madame du Barry. After the King's death Mme du Barry commissioned another bather from Allegrain in 1776. Both were installed in the landscapes of the garden as Vénus and Diana who provided an allegory of their sensual love and chaste condition respectively (both are preserved in the Louvre Museum).