Pair of Late 18th Century Bronze and Gilt Bronze Ewers in the Manner of Clodion

Claude Michel (December 20, 1738 - March 29, 1814), known as Clodion, was a French sculptor in the Rococo style, especially noted for his works in terracotta. He was born in Nancy to Anne Adam and Thomas Michel, an undistinguished sculptor. Anne was the brother of sculptors Lambert-Sigisbert Adam and Francois Gaspard Adam. In Nancy and probably in Lille he spent the earlier years of his life. In 1755 he came to Paris and entered the workshop of his maternal uncle Lambert-Sigisbert Adam, an established sculptor. He remained four years in this workshop, and on his death became a pupil of Jean-Baptiste Pigalle. In 1759 he obtained the grand prize for sculpture at the Académie Royale. In 1761 he obtained the first silver medal for studies from models. In 1762 he went to Rome, where his activity was considerable between 1767 and 1771.