A FRENCH CARVED STONE FIGURAL GROUP: L'AMOUR EMBRASSANT L'AMITIÉ
Jean-Baptiste Pigalle (French, 1714-1785), 1759
Signed and dated B. Pigalle 1759 to stone, on a composition plinth.
height of figure 57in (145cm); height overall 83in (211cm); width 30 3/4in (78cm) square
Footnotes:
Jean-Baptiste Pigalle (French, 1714-1785) was the seventh born to a carpenter. After being mentored by Robert Le Lorrain and Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne and studying independently in Rome, Pigalle was finally able to enroll at the Académie Royale, which began the success of his career. Working during Louis XV's reign, curved forms, lightness, comfort and asymmetry dominated French taste. Pigalle himself was particularly known for his practice of sculpting children, though he covered a wide range of subject matter. However, it was his bronze rendition of Mercury that gained the attention of Louis XV, who in 1749 commissioned a life-sized marble version of the piece as a gift to Frederick II of Prussia.

Another of Pigalle's important patrons was Madame de Pompadour. Commissioned in 1754 by the Madame, this design was originally created as a piece for the Château de Bellevue, although it was never installed on the grounds. Pigalle took three years to complete the marble, which was reported to have been instead placed in the garden of the Parisian residence of Madame de Pompadour -- the Hotel d'Evreux. Pigalle bought back the work after the Marquise's death in 1764 and was later sold again.

Translated as 'Love Embracing Friendship' this figural group echoes sentiments of quiet intimacy popular at the time. The naturalistic forms and postures reflect the classical formulas of sculpture while projecting a certain charm and familiarity. The viewer is invited to engaged within tenderness between the allegorical representations of Love and Friendship; their embrace and gaze similar to that of a mother and child. Beneath their feet lay roses and arrows --- further symbols of love.

A 1758 marble version of the figural group resides at the Louvre, Paris (inventory no. RF 297). A plaster cast executed by Dejoux can be found at the Walters Art Gallery in Baltimore.

Provenance
Heim Gallery, London, 20 June 1984.
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