French school, third quarter of the 19th century.

French school, third quarter of the 19th century.
"Calliope and Euterpe".
Patinated bronze.
Wooden pedestal.
Measurements: 48,5 x 47 x 22,5 cm; 5 x 46 x 16 cm (pedestal).

This sculptural group in patinated bronze represents Calliope, muse of epic poetry and eloquence, and Euterpe, muse of music and lyric, accompanied by a child putto. The work is fully in the French academic tradition of the 19th century, heir to neoclassicism but enriched by a greater compositional dynamism and a romantic sensibility.

The two female figures appear seated and closely linked, creating a balanced and harmonious triangular composition. Calliope is identified by the presence of the book or tablet, symbol of knowledge and epic poetry. Euterpe is associated with music, evoked by the lyrical attitude.

The putto, located in the foreground, introduces a dynamic and narrative counterpoint, reinforcing the allegorical character of the scene. At his feet, symbolic attributes - musical instruments, laurel wreaths and artistic elements - complete the iconographic program.

This group recalls models spread by sculptors such as Carrier-Belleuse, Mathurin Moreau or Albert-Ernest Carrier.