Description
The French sculptor Claude Michel, called Clodion (1738–1814), constructed much of his work in terracotta. After firing, the unglazed color of the clay can vary widely, so each of Clodion's works in this medium has a slightly different hue, in this case a smooth reddish gray. Clodion depicts a mother nursing her newborn with painstaking attention to detail, from the tendrils of hair that cascade gracefully down to the mother's shoulders to the brilliant bouquet at the pair's feet.
Provenance
Paul Meurice (1818-1905), Paris, France, upon his death, held in trust by the estate; Estate of Paul Meurice, Paris, France (1905-1906); (Sale: Hôtel Drouot, Paris, France, May 25, 1906, lot 30) (May 25, 1906); Alphonse de Jonge, Paris, France; French and Co., New York, New York, sold to John L. Severance.; John L. Severance (1863-1936), upon his death, held in trust by the estate.; Estate of John L. Severance, by bequest to the Cleveland Museum of Art (-1942); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1942-)
Accession Number
1942.783
Medium
terracotta
Dimensions
Overall: 30.8 x 29.1 x 22.4 cm (12 1/8 x 11 7/16 x 8 13/16 in.)
Classification
Sculpture
Credit Line
Bequest of John L. Severance
