Relevant categories: Bronzes
(Above photo - Clodion bronzes - French rococo candelabras and cherubs )
Claude Michel or simply Clodion was a French sculptor that excelled in the rococo style. He used terracotta to create lifelike figures of cherubs, Grecian nymphs, and gods. Because of his outstanding work, Clodion was widely applauded in his day. He is credited with his 1799 work, Zephyrus and Flora, which depicts nearly kissing figures. In 1759, he had been awarded the Academie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture grand prize. His work is still displayed in museums across the world.
Clodion’s Life
(Above photo - Pair of Clodion bronze candelabras ) Clodion’s parents were called Thomas Mitchel and Anne Adam. They lived in Nancy, France, Clodion’s birthplace. His mother Anne had famous sculptor brothers named Francois Gaspard Adam and Lambert-Sigisbert Adam. Clodion spent the early part of his life in Nancy and occasionally in Lille. When he came to Paris in 1755, he joined Lambert-Sigisbert in his workshop. For four years, he worked under the tutelage of Lambert, an accomplished sculptor. When his uncle died, Clodion Started taking sculpting lessons from Jean Baptiste Pigalle.
It is easy to conclude that Clodion learned from some of the best sculptors of his time. In 1759, he was the grand prize winner for sculpture from the Academie Royale. That was followed by the 1761 silver medal after studying models. Clodion went to Rome in 1762 and was actively involved in various projects from 1767 to 1771.
(Above photo - Pair Cherub Bronze Candelabras Candles French Clodion ) One of Clodion’s biggest admirers was Catherine II of Russia, who sought him out for a visit to St. Petersburg. Clodion went to St. Petersburg on a short visit, after which he returned to Paris. He worked for both individual and corporate patrons, including the Direction Generale, Rouen Chapter, and so on. While in Paris, he regularly exhibited his works at the Salon.
(Above photo - Pair French Bronze Candelabras Angel Clodion Style ) When his time to marry came, Clodion chose Catherine Flore, the daughter of Augustin Pajou, a sculptor. The year was 1782. Not long after, Catherine filed for divorce from the esteemed sculptor. In 1792, following the French Revolution, Clodion retreated to his hometown Nancy. Before that, he had fallen out with the Parisian Society after his request to join the Academie Royale was declined. He took the time to decorate houses until 1798 when he returned to Paris.
Clodion’s Work
(Above photo - Pair Bronze Candelabras - Large French Cherub Manner Clodion ) He concentrated on producing terracotta sculptures and helping his brothers decorate candelabra, clocks, vases, and other objects. He is famed for creating the Dying Cleopatra, Montesquieu statue, and chimneypiece in London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. Another famous sculpture created by Clodion is “The Intoxication of Wine.”
(Above photo - The Clodion Venus based on the French artist Claude Michel, known as Clodion (1738-1814) - and can be viewed at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London ) In coming up with most of his sculptures, Clodion borrowed a lot from classical antiquity. His minimalist terracotta sculptures represented the best of the prevailing rococo style. With the growing popularity of neoclassical works, Clodion got entangled in creating some of the major Parisian public monuments. An example of such public works is the Arc de Triomphe, a relief representing the French triumphant entry into Munich. Then there is the depiction of Homer the beggar being chased by fishermen. On March 29, 1814, Clodion died in Paris, France. Incidentally, that was a day before the Sixth Coalition invaded Paris.
Conclusion:
We have a large range of Clodion bronzes on display in our Canonbury Antiques Hertfordshire showroom so please get in touch for an appointment.
Pair Bronze Candelabras - Lar...
Pair Cherub Bronze Candelabras...
Pair French Bronze Candelabras...
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