Etienne Maurice Falconet

Following models of ETIENNE MAURICE FALCONET (France, 1716-1791), early 20th century.
"Silenus and three nymphs".
Bronze and marble base.
Measurements: 22 x 30 x 20 cm.
Bronze sculpture representing a Silenus accompanied by two nymphs. The work follows the models of the French sculptor Etienne Falconet, one of the masters of the baroque school, but Falconet was also in certain aspects a neoclassical sculptor. Falconet was born in 1716 in Paris into a poor family, and initially trained as a carpenter. In his spare time he made clay figures, which led to his discovery by the French sculptor Lemoyne. Falconet came to public attention after exhibiting at the Salons in the mid-1750s, and in 1757 he was appointed director of sculpture at the new manufactory in Sèvres. Falconet left his post at Sèvres in 1766 to begin work commissioned by Catherine the Great of Russia, completing his most famous work, The Bronze Horseman, in 1782. During his lifetime, Falconet also studied Greek and Latin and wrote several volumes of literary works. His writings and sculptures can be seen in museums around the world.