L'Abondance

Maker Jean Guillaume Moitte (French, 1746 - 1810)

Additional Title(s)

Abundance

ClassificationsSCULPTURE

Dateca. 1786

Mediumterracotta

Dimensionsoverall: 13 3/4 x 7 1/4 x 5 1/4 in. (34.9 x 18.4 x 13.3 cm.)

DescriptionThe statuettes are distinctive for the stylized, simplified manner in which many of the features were depicted in flat planes with the aid of a knifelike modeling tool. Both were fired in one piece with their bases. The Peace base was mold made; the Abundance base was modeled by hand and is uneven. From the front view, the two statuettes are remarkably similar. Abundance appears to be a copy of Peace, made using an image of the front of the statuette rather that the object itself. As the Abundance is rotated to the sides and back, progressively less detail is expressed; the back has been left smooth and unfinished. The modeling throughout the figure of Peace is far more nuanced; the surface is worked up with the hands and highlighted with the knife. On Abundance, the cuts are deep and inexpressive. Although there are extensive damages on Abundance, the surface is uniformly fresh overall with no sign of wear or soiling. The front of Peace was once covered with paint that now remains only in the recesses. The lowermost layer is thick and light tan in color; it is covered by a glossy reddish brown paint, with a thin black layer on top. The terracotta has a rough, bumpy texture, accentuated by the darkening of raised spots due to handling.

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Gift of MaryLou and George Boone

Status

On view

Object number2007.15.1