Vintage “Buste de Fille” sculpture in terracotta by Jean Baptiste Pigalle, Italy 1940

Sculpture “Girl Bust” in terracotta, Signed “Made in Italy”, 40’s – Italy Magnificent terracotta bust made in Italy in the 1940s. This sculpture is modeled after the “Allegory of Laughter” by Jean Baptiste Pigalle (1714-1785), an important French neoclassical sculptor. It therefore gives off a classicist air inspired directly by Classical Antiquity. At the bottom, stamped “Made in Italy” along with the author's incised signature. It has a base with wooden marquetry. She is a smiling young woman, with sweet and delicate features. With her face turned to one side of her, the softness of her complexion stands out in contrast to the work of her hair, collected with braids and finished with a bow. Magnificent expression and precision of the piece, elegance and serenity prevail, that is, moderation in expressions and feelings. On the back you can see that the piece is hollow, one of the distinctive characteristics of the working process in this type of material: terracotta or baked clay. On the other hand, it must be taken into account that one of the most important aspects of neoclassical sculpture is its theme. Mainly the stories were taken from mythology, although they are also inspired by the prevailing arguments during Antiquity such as the civic and moral virtues embodied by allegories, as in this case, the innocence and laughter embodied by a girl. Brief biographical summary of Pigalle Jean-Baptiste Pigalle (1714-1785 was an important French sculptor. He was an apprentice to the sculptor Robert Le Lorrain and also studied with Jean Baptiste Lemoyne, sculptor appointed by Louis XV). He studied in Rome from 1736 to 1739. His most famous work is the classic statue of “Mercury Binding His Wings” (1744). In 1744 he became a member of the Académie Royale. In 1752 Pigalle was appointed professor of this Academy. He enjoyed the protection of Madame de Pompadour from 1750 to 1758 and made the group of allegorical figures “Love and Friendship” for her in 1758. He gained popularity with smaller studies of Rococo-style children, such as “Boy with Birdcage” ( 1750). Pigalle was a talented portrait sculptor, as evident in his “Voltaire Nude” (1776) and his bust of Diderot (1777). His tomb of the Duke of Harcourt (1769-1776) and the tomb of the Count of Saxe (1753-1776) are fine examples of French sculpture. Material: Terracotta Period: 1940s Country of origin: Italy Good condition according to its age and use Sculpture dimensions: 30 x 23 x 21 cm. Base dimensions: 6 x 24 x 24 cm. Shipping of the product will be paid by the buyer according to the dimensions, weight and destination. Professional custom-made packaging is included in the shipping costs; and personalized shipping, with tracking number and warranty. ---- Reference : 310701