Clodion

Claude Michel
French, 1738 - 1814

Explore selected works

The sculpture is a large ornamental urn with intricate details and sculptural reliefs on its surface. The central panel depicts multiple human figures engaged in an activity. The urn features handles in the shape of ram heads, crafted from a material resembling white marble. It stands on a sturdy base and is balanced by a lid with a detailed finial. Decorative elements such as garlands and motifs adorn its surface.
Clodion, Monumental Urn, c. 1860, marble, Andrew W. Mellon Collection, 1940.2.2

Monumental Urn

Clodion · c. 1860 · marble ·  Accession ID  1940.2.2
The sculpture is a large, intricately designed urn with classical motifs. The focal point of the urn features a bas-relief depiction of a woman and a child, both seated and surrounded by a natural setting with trees and rocks. The scene is elegantly framed by ornate garland patterns and ribbon motifs. The urn has two large handles shaped like ram's heads, adding a distinctive and symmetrical feature to either side. It is crafted from white marble, giving it a smooth and pristine appearance, with finely polished surfaces that highlight the detailed artistry. The urn stands on a beautifully carved pedestal base, which is also adorned with patterns resembling leaves. Overall, this sculpture presents a harmonious blend of classical elements and exquisite craftsmanship, contributing to its aesthetic grandeur.
Clodion, Monumental Urn, c. 1860, marble, Andrew W. Mellon Collection, 1940.2.3

Monumental Urn

Clodion · c. 1860 · marble ·  Accession ID  1940.2.3
The sculpture features two cherubic children interacting with musical instruments and art materials. The child on the left is standing, holding a stringed instrument resembling a lute. The child on the right is seated, holding a small chisel in one hand and a pad of cloth in their lap. Both children have short, curly hair and are naked, although the seated child has a cloth draped across their lap and legs. Below them is a rectangular base with some wreaths and scattered objects around the children. The sculpture is white with grey veining.
Clodion, Poetry and Music, c. 1774/1778, marble, Samuel H. Kress Collection, 1952.5.98

Poetry and Music

Clodion · c. 1774/1778 · marble ·  Accession ID  1952.5.98
Carved from cream-white marble, a woman stands next to a hip-high, three-legged table in this free-standing sculpture. Her weight rests on her left leg, her right knee bent. She wears a flower crown over a garment that covers her head and falls in sweeping, voluminous folds to her sandaled feet. An urn is tucked into her left elbow and she holds a saucer-like dish in her right hand down by her side to pour oil onto the flames on the altar below. She looks down toward the altar, which is decorated with a ram’s head and garlands.
Clodion, A Vestal, 1770, marble, Samuel H. Kress Collection, 1952.5.99

A Vestal

Clodion · 1770 · marble ·  Accession ID  1952.5.99
The sculpture depicts a seated female figure holding a bunch of grapes, accompanied by a small child-like figure holding a staff with an orb at the top. The woman has long, flowing hair and appears to be adorned with a band on her upper arm. The child, perched on the woman's knee, has curly hair and an innocent expression. They both appear intertwined with foliage and flowing drapery that cascades down from the female figure's form. The sculpture is a roundel, carved in bas-relief, and is made from a warm, terracotta-colored material. The sculpture presents itself as a finely detailed and harmonious composition with a soft and gentle aesthetic.
Clodion, Satyrs at Play, c. 1850, terracotta, Gift of Mrs. John W. Simpson, 1942.5.31

Satyrs at Play

Clodion · c. 1850 · terracotta ·  Accession ID  1942.5.31
The sculpture depicts a seated older man with a flowing beard. He is surrounded by two younger figures. One of them is placing a wreath on his head, while the other holds a drapery filled with fruit beside him. A small child is reclining at the man's feet next to a large urn. The sculpture is made of light terracotta material. Its detailed craftsmanship and dynamic composition allow the observer to closely observe the expressions and posture of each figure. The sculpture sits on a rounded base.
Clodion, Silenus Crowned by Nymphs, c. 1840, terracotta, Pepita Milmore Memorial Fund, 1977.59.1

Silenus Crowned by Nymphs

Clodion · c. 1840 · terracotta ·  Accession ID  1977.59.1
The sculpture depicts a female figure standing elegantly, reaching out with one arm while draped in flowing cloth, next to a chubby child figure with curly hair, holding an object and looking upwards. The sculpture appears to be made of terracotta, showcasing detailed features such as hair and fabric drapery. The figures are placed on an ornate pedestal adorned with a gilded garland design and fluted columns.
Clodion, The Surprise, 1799, terracotta, Gift of Irma I. Straus in memory of her husband, Jesse Isidor Straus, 1942.12.1

The Surprise

Clodion · 1799 · terracotta ·  Accession ID  1942.12.1
This rectangular sculpture is a relief featuring two adult figures and three children. At the center are a woman and a man who are both nude, leaning towards each other and each holding a child. The woman on the left holds a child who has both of its fists raised in the air. The man cradles another child who holds a bird in their lap. The man on the right and the child he holds both appear to have shaggy legs with cloven feet, while the woman and child on the left have human legs. Both adults look tenderly down towards the children. Another small child is seen sitting on the right, slightly apart from the group and turned away from them. They also appear to have hairy legs. To the left of the figures are a cloth, a bowl of fruit, and a long staff. The sculpture is crafted from a light brown material. Above the figures are the faint outlines of garlands hanging from tree branches.
Clodion, Faun Family, c. 1785, terracotta, Widener Collection, 1942.9.109

Faun Family

Clodion · c. 1785 · terracotta ·  Accession ID  1942.9.109
The artwork is a sculpture depicting two cherubic figures. On the left, a standing cherub is holding a guitar-like instrument. The figure is slightly leaning forward. On the right, a seated cherub is engaged with a book. This figure holds its head in one hand. The sculpture is crafted from a light-colored material, likely plaster or a similar substance, giving it a soft, matte finish. The detailed carving captures the expressions of the cherubs, and the composition shows a blend of music and poetry.
Clodion, Model for "Poetry and Music", 1774, terracotta, Loula D. Lasker Fund, 1976.10.1

Model for "Poetry and Music"

Clodion · 1774 · terracotta ·  Accession ID  1976.10.1
""

Cupid Seller

Jean-Claude-Richard, Abbé de Saint-Non · 1773 · etching and aquatint ·  Accession ID  1950.1.118.172