Claude Michel Clodion (1738–1814)

The Games of Bacchus's Garden
Patinated bronze, stone base, 45 × 42 × 27 cm. It presents a popular version of the rococo-classical Bacchic iconography: in a group organized around a gnarled tree trunk, a graceful Bacchante leans over playful putti, while on the other side of the composition, the diagonal motion of a faun-like man creates a dynamic counterpoint. The smooth skin surfaces, sharply cut drapery edges, and detailed hair strands evoke the modeling tradition of the Clodion circle; the dark brown patina enhances the plasticity of the bodies with a uniform, silky sheen. The theme and form are linked to French small sculpture from the last third of the 18th century, likely cast in the 19th-20th century 'after Clodion'. Condition: uniform patina, stone base with minor edge wear; no visible structural break or replacement. The piece is a representative work of Bacchic joy of life, fertility, and play motifs, suitable for exhibition or interior decoration purposes.