Bacchanal

19th century

French 19th Century, after Jean Honoré Fragonard

Associated Names
Jean Honoré Fragonard

Artist After, French, 1732 - 1806

The sculpture depicts a central female figure partially draped, elevated, and supported by two male figures with goat-like legs and horns. The subject matter is presented in a round medallion format made from white marble. The intricate detailing of the figures, with carefully carved hair and musculature, gives a sense of realism. The medallion is encased in a round, ornate frame with a gold and embellished border and mounted on a simple wooden stand. This composition creates a bas-relief effect, with the figures standing out against a marble background, offering a three-dimensional visual experience from the front perspective.

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    marble

  • Credit Line

    Widener Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall: 30 x 33 cm (11 13/16 x 13 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1942.9.108


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Prince Stirbey. (Gimpel and Wildenstein, New York); sold 5 November 1904 to Peter A. B. Widener, Lynnewood Hall, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania; inheritance from Estate of Peter A. B. Widener by gift through power of appointment of Joseph E. Widener, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania; gift 1942 to NGA.[1]
[1] Provenance from Widener card file and catalogue notes, in NGA curatorial files.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1942

  • Works of Art from the Widener Collection. Foreword by David Finley and John Walker. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1942: 8, as by Clodion.

1948

  • Paintings and Sculpture from the Widener Collection. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1948 (reprinted 1959): 134, repro., as by Clodion.

1965

  • Summary Catalogue of European Paintings and Sculpture. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1965: 148, as by Clodion.

1968

  • National Gallery of Art. European Paintings and Sculpture, Illustrations. Washington, 1968: 132, repro., as by Clodion.

1994

  • Sculpture: An Illustrated Catalogue. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1994: 93, repro.

Wikidata ID

Q63809456

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