catalog text
AFTER THE ORIGINAL MODEL BY GERMAIN PILON
French, 1525-1590
"Three Graces"
Patinated bronze | unsigned, no markings | cast circa last quarter of the 19th century
Item # 308ZEK29Q
An exquisitely cast late 19th century model after Germain Pilon's 16th century monument of the "Three Graces", it is executed in bronze with a medium-brown patina coming through nearly black recesses.
The original sculpture was commissioned in 1561 by Catherine de Médicis as a monument to her husband, King Henri II. That was executed by Pilon from a single block of marble and was acquired for the collection of the Louvre where it has remained since its purchase in 1816. In that original example, an urn is raised over the three figures that held the heart of Henri II. That urn was tragically destroyed during the French Revolution but has since been replaced.
The present example is exceedingly fine, the surface exhibiting exquisite chiseling and finishing work throughout with texture and underlying nuance captured directly from the mold and transferred into the bronze. The perfectly smooth surfaces allow the complex chemical patina to glow brilliantly. Each of the elongated figures is depicted uniquely with intricate rendering of the hair to capture the twisting strands with precision; their eyelids, fingernails, toes and chaotic garments are all modeled with exacting photographic realism.
The "Three Graces" depict Thalia, Euphrosyne and Aglaia, the minor deities that are perhaps derived from the ancient model of the triple Hecate: the Greek goddess of the crossroads in the three feminine bodies. The "Three Charities" were attributed as daughters of Zeus and Eurynome, though other sources also note them as being the daughters of Dionysus.
Measurements: 19 1/2" H x 8" D x 10" W
Condition Report:
Patina in overall good condition with age appropriate handling wear: rubbing through the darker patina to reveal the underlying olive tones in areas of handling, rubbed relief to raised elements (hair, toes, an outstretched fingers, etc.), minor scuffs and other blemishes to patina including wear to patina around edges of the base; trace accretion and oxidization in the lower recesses (i.e by the hairline, within the folds of garments, other areas where rubbing is infrequent); tiny hole casting flaw by one of the feet. Very slight unevenness to the base where the edge comes up ever so slightly at one triangulated point. Carefully cleaned, waxed and polished - a fine presentation.