"The Bather" or "The Nymph Bathing" (1757) by Étienne-Maurice Falconet (1716-1791)

Artistic Explanation:

La Nymphe prenant son bain is a masterful work of 18th-century French sculpture, created by Étienne-Maurice Falconet in 1757. This bronze statue depicts a young nude woman in a graceful and natural posture, captured in an intimate moment as she enters her bath.

Posture and Expression:

The nymph is portrayed in a natural and fluid pose, slightly leaning forward as if she is about to pick up or lay down a cloth. This posture highlights the elegant curves and anatomical details of the female body, paying homage to natural beauty and grace.

Details and Textures:

The texture of the drapery and the subtle details of the hair and skin are beautifully rendered, demonstrating Falconet's mastery in handling bronze. The play of light on the polished bronze surface adds a lively and realistic dimension to the sculpture.

Symbolism:

The choice to represent a nymph, a mythological figure often associated with nature and water, reflects the influence of classical and mythological themes in 18th-century art. This demonstrates the period's interest in antiquity and classical ideals of beauty.

Historical Context:

• Period: The sculpture was created in 1757, during the height of the Rococo movement in France. This style is characterized by elegance, refinement, and a preference for graceful and delicate subjects.
• Style: Although Falconet is often associated with Rococo, this work shows a transition towards a more neoclassical style, with simplicity and purity of form foreshadowing future artistic trends.
• Commissioner: The work was commissioned by financier and collector Ange Laurent Lalive de Jully, highlighting the elite's interest in classical art and culture.

Explanation about the Founder:

The exceptional quality of the casting of this sculpture is the result of the work of an expert bronze founder. At that time, founders often worked closely with sculptors to produce high-quality pieces. Renowned founders of this period included workshops such as those of Jean-Baptiste Claude Odiot or the Keller brothers, although specific documentation on the founder of this work is not always available.

Museum References:

Examples of La Nymphe prenant son bain can be found in several prestigious museums, including:

• The Louvre Museum in Paris, which boasts a rich collection of 18th-century French sculptures.
• The Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon, where other works by Falconet and his contemporaries can also be admired.
• The Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg.

Symbolism of the Work:

La Nymphe prenant son bain symbolizes ideals of beauty and purity, the intimate relationship between humans and nature, and the stylistic transitions in 18th-century art. It embodies the decorative and elegant elements of Rococo while anticipating the simplicity and grandeur of Neoclassicism. The nymph represents the ideal of feminine beauty in classical tradition, purity and innocence, as well as the connection to nature and mythological elements.

Connection to Madame de Pompadour's Daughter:

It is interesting to note that Falconet was supported by Madame de Pompadour, the mistress of Louis XV and a great patron of the arts. Madame de Pompadour's daughter, Alexandrine Le Normant d'Étiolles, died young, and Falconet might have found some inspiration in the youth and beauty of this child, as well as in her mother's influence, to create works imbued with grace and tenderness.

Biography of Étienne-Maurice Falconet:

Étienne-Maurice Falconet (1716-1791) was a French sculptor renowned for his refined and elegant works. He was trained at the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture and worked under the famous sculptor Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne. Falconet quickly gained fame for his graceful sculptures and portraits.

• Career: In 1757, Falconet was appointed director of the sculpture workshop at the Manufacture de Sèvres, where he influenced many young artists. In 1766, he was invited by Catherine II of Russia to work at the imperial court in Saint Petersburg, where he created his most famous work, the Bronze Horseman, a monumental equestrian statue of Peter the Great.
• Style and Influence: Falconet was a pioneer in the transition from Rococo to Neoclassicism, combining decorative elegance with classical simplicity. His work had a lasting influence on European sculpture.

In summary, La Nymphe prenant son bain is an emblematic work that perfectly illustrates Falconet's talent and artistic vision, while reflecting the tastes and artistic trends of his time.

Ref: FRAZ0E6JH5