Classical bronze sculpture of the Two Fates by Barbedienne

This fine sculpture, cast entirely in patinated bronze, depicts Clotho and Atropos, who, along with Lachesis, make up the Three Fates in Greek and Roman mythology. Also known as the Moirai, the Three Fates are sisters who control the thread of life of every mortal being. Here, Clotho is depicted seated and holding a spindle, spinning the thread. Atropos sits in front of Clotho, reclining against her as she holds a pair of scissors to cut the thread of life. The absent sister, Lachesis, is usually depicted as measuring the thread of life.

The sculpture, cast by Ferdinand Barbedienne, exhibits masterfully draped clothing and a true sense of delicate movement and poise to the figures. The design is based on a Classical sculpture of ancient Greece, which originally formed part of the East pediment of the Parthenon, and is now housed in the British Museum, London. The sculpture is signed 'F. Barbedienne / Fondeur Paris' and also bears the reduction foundry stamp 'Reduction Mecanique / A Collas'.