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

Status

On view

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.

Object number11.39