After Jean-Baptiste Pigalle

After JEAN-BAPTISTE PIGALLE (Paris, 1714-1785).
"Jean-Baptiste Racine" and "Jean De la Fontaine".
Bronze.
Measurements: 53 x 20 x 18 cm (each).

These sculptures represent Jean-Baptiste Racine and Jean de La Fontaine seated on elegant ornamented pedestals, conceived from models of Jean-Baptiste Pigalle, one of the great sculptors of the French 18th century. Both figures are characterized with great dignity and naturalism, wrapped in rich clothes with wide pleats and adopting serene and reflective attitudes, typical of men of letters. The pedestals incorporate in their front part medallions with the inscriptions "HORACE" and "ESOPE", allusions to the classical figures of Horace and Aesop, considered sources of literary inspiration respectively for Racine and La Fontaine. The set reflects French neoclassical refinement, with a balanced combination of elegance, idealization and psychological study in the faces and postures.

Jean-Baptiste Racine (1639-1699) was one of the most important playwrights of classical French literature and a central figure in 17th century theater. Specializing in tragedy, he wrote masterpieces such as Phaedra, Andromache and Britannicus, characterized by psychological intensity, purity of language and inspiration from the themes of classical antiquity. He was part of the cultural environment of the court of Louis XIV and is considered one of the great authors of French classicism.

Jean de La Fontaine (1621-1695) was a famous French poet and fabulist, universally known for his Fables, short stories starring animals that convey moral and social teachings largely inspired by Aesop's fables. His work combines literary elegance, irony and acute observation of human nature, making him one of the most outstanding figures of French and European literature.

Jean-Baptiste Pigalle was a French sculptor. Born into a family of cabinetmakers, he learned sculpture with Robert Le Lorrain and Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne. He was mainly influenced by Edmé Bouchardon. He moved to Italy from 1734 to 1737. Considered a great master by his contemporaries, his work stylistically straddles the baroque and neoclassical periods. One of his best known works is "Mercury tying his sandals", preserved in the Louvre Museum.