'Fontaine des Innocents', four spelter plaques by Barbedienne
By Barbedienne, Ferdinand (French, 1810-1892)
£3,500
The iconic images depicted in these fine plaques are after the highly important marble Fountain of the Innocents, in Paris, which was completed in 1550.
This group of French spelter plaques are made by Ferdinand Barbedienne and are based on marble relief sculptures from the Fontaine des Innocents (Fountain of the Innocents). Each plaque depicts a Classical water nymph in relief. The works have been expertly completed and beautifully convey texture and movement, exemplified in the flowing drapery of the nymph's robes. The plaques are signed to the lower section 'F. Barbedienne'.
The scenes are inspired by the Fontaine des Innocents- a monumental marble fountain in Paris, France, which was designed by Pierre Lescot and sculpted by Jean Goujon in 1550. The fountain is the oldest in Paris of its size and is very early in terms of the Renaissance style. Goujon is noted as a sculptor who reintroduced the classical relief form from Roman antiquity. The large sections of the fountain that these are modelled on were removed in the early 19th Century to prevent water damage. They are now on view in the Louvre Museum, Paris.