Child with Bird Cage

MakerPossibly cast by Pierre-Philippe Thomire, after Jean-Baptiste Pigalle (French, 1714 - 1785)

Makerformerly attributed to Jean-Baptiste Pigalle (French, 1714 - 1785)

Additional Title(s)

L'Enfant à la cage

ClassificationsSCULPTURE

Dateca. 1823

Mediumbronze

Dimensions18 3/4 in. (47.6 cm.)

DescriptionThis bronze statue portraying a child with a bird cage reproduces a popular marble statue produced in 1749 by French sculptor Jean-Baptiste Pigalle. This cast was probably made by Pierre-Philippe Thomire, a leading Parisian gilt metal manufacturer and gilder of the early 19th century.

SignedPiGALLE. F. / 1784 is cast into the metal on top of the base; Signed: Pigalle F. 1784 Signed: Pigalle F. 1784

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Label TextThis bronze is based on one half of a famous pair of marble sculptures of children carved by the French sculptor Jean-Baptiste Pigalle. The boy with the birdcage was carved around 1749. Years later, in 1784, he carved as its pendant the girl with a bird and apple. The models were so popular that many versions were made in both marble and bronze from 18th century through the early 20th century.

Status

On view

Object number11.39