Classical Grand Tour French Bronze Group – “call of the Triton Conch” Sea Putti, After Clodion (c.1820) – In the Manner of Gonon Frères, Paris

Classical Grand Tour French Bronze Group – “Call of the Triton Conch” Sea Putti, After Clodion (c.1820) – In the Manner of Gonon Frères, Paris A magnificent early 19th-century French bronze depicting three sea putti, one acting as a young Triton sounding a conch shell while the others engage in lively, playful movement. Cast entirely in solid patinated bronze — including its rare, fully integrated bronze base — this sculpture is an impressive and distinguished work from the Grand Tour era, created in the manner of the celebrated Parisian foundry Gonon Frères. Description Modelled in the spirit of Clodion (Claude Michel), the group embodies the flowing Rococo lines, expressive charm, and swirling movement for which his school became renowned. The Triton child lifts the conch to call the sea, while the two attendant putti twist and embrace with joyful animation. The sculpture retains its original warm patina, with fine ciselure (hand-chasing) carried through the hair, anatomy, and drapery. Dimensions Height: 52.5 cm Width: 41.5 cm Depth: 39.5 cm Widest span: 48 cm Weight: approximately 35 kg — a substantial and beautifully balanced bronze with commanding presence. Foundry Notes — In the Manner of Gonon Frères, Paris This sculpture displays casting characteristics, surface refinement, patina tone, and alloy density that align closely with works produced by the renowned atelier of Gonon Frères, active circa 1800–1830. The foundry was admired for exceptionally heavy, thick-walled castings, meticulous surface finishing, and the rare practice of casting sculpture and base as a single unified bronze structure. The piece is unsigned and bears no visible foundry stamp, which is entirely typical of early 19th-century French bronzes. Any original mark may have worn away over two centuries, or it may simply never have been applied — a common practice among early Restoration bronzes, including those produced in the Gonon Frères tradition. The overall craftsmanship is highly consistent with works produced in their manner, making this a credible and historically supported stylistic association. Rare Early Casting Method This bronze was produced using a superior early 19th-century technique: a thick-walled bronze casting with a single-piece integrated base, created through a combination of lost-wax casting (for the putti) and sand casting (for the heavy base). The sections were unified through expert hand-chasing, giving the sculpture exceptional weight, durability, and sculptural depth. Such casting quality is seldom encountered after the 1830s. About Clodion (Claude Michel, 1738–1814) Clodion was one of France’s most celebrated sculptors, admired for his terracottas of putti, nymphs, satyrs, and Bacchic dancers. Although this piece dates from circa 1820 — slightly after his lifetime — it clearly belongs to the École de Clodion, continuing the elegance, fluidity, and joyful classical spirit for which he was renowned. Parisian founders often created bronzes “After Clodion” to satisfy collectors’ admiration for his refined and playful style. Mythology The subject represents Triton, son of Poseidon, sounding his conch shell to command the waves. Rendered here as playful sea putti, the scene conveys poetry, vitality, and maritime grace — a theme highly prized by early 19th-century collectors. Date France, circa 1820 Early Restoration period Key Features Authentic early 19th-century French bronze Mythological subject with classical movement and vitality Created in the manner of the Gonon Frères foundry Influenced by Clodion’s Rococo and Neoclassical style Rare early casting technique with integrated base Exceptional weight and presence (35 kg) Highly collectible Grand Tour bronze of museum quality Provenance From a distinguished private collection in Surrey, curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD. Collectors of early 19th-century French bronzes — notably figures such as the Marquis de Sommariva (1755–1829), a celebrated admirer of the Clodion school — greatly valued works of this character. Bronzes featuring Triton and sea putti themes, with richly patinated Restoration-period casting, were especially sought after among refined collecting circles. Click to secure this exceptional example of French bronze artistry. Summary Large early 19th-century Grand Tour bronzes with original casting, untouched patina, and strong stylistic alignment with the Gonon Frères tradition are exceptionally scarce. This Triton and Sea Putti group stands as a museum-quality French bronze — a work of outstanding craftsmanship, classical beauty, and historical significance.