Stunning French “Grand Tour” Chisel Cast Patinated Bronze Cherub Group, of outstanding quality and compact proportions. In the manner of Claude Michel Clodion 1738-1814, early Nineteenth Century, possibly Regency period. 

This imposing offering depicts three nude cherubs or putti, one is seated on a naturalistic tree trunk disturbing a bird's nest with the bird on one hand and the disturbed nest on the other, the two others looking on in dismay. Complete with its original well grained original circular Sienna or Trets marble. 

Condition: Good condition with no losses. Good original patination throughout, few ting losses to marble. This piece is heavy., no visible foundry mark.  

Height: (entire as shown on main image) 10.5" (26.75cm). Diameter: (at base) 5.5” (14cm). 

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Shipped to Fort Worth, Texas, USA. 

Affordable fixed charge Worldwide Store to door shipping offered. 

The Grand Tour has long been a symbol of wealth and freedom. In the late 16th century, it became quite fashionable for young aristocrats to visit Italy and France, as the finishing touch on their classical education. Travel was arduous and costly during this time and possible only for a privileged class, and thus the Grand Tour lasted until the 19th century, when railways across Europe allowed for easier travel. While these travels were very popular with the English, they were also undertaken by other Northern Europeans as well as Americans.   

The Grand Tour was developed out of the idea of travelling for the sake of curiosity and cultural development. These travels not only provided a cultural education but it also allowed wealthier Grand Tourists an opportunity to purchase items unavailable at home, and it thus increased the travellers social standing and prestige. Travellers would return with crates of books, paintings, sculpture, and other cultural goods, which would be displayed in libraries, gardens, and purpose built galleries in their homes. Many artists Such as Giovanni Battista Piranesi and Giovanni Antonio Canal (Canalletto) benefited from the patronage of the Grand Tour, as travelers purchased souvenirs.