Bacchic nymph (one of a pair)
late 18th century
Medium
Terracotta; base: grey marble
Dimensions
Height: 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm)
Classification
Sculpture
Culture
French
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Fletcher Fund, 1945
Accession Number
45.60.39
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delightful terracotta sculpture, *Bacchic Nymph (one of a pair)*, crafted by French artist Joseph-Charles Marin in late 18th century captures the exuberant spirit of classical mythology. Standing just 8½ inches tall on a sleek grey marble base, it the refined elegance of French decorative arts during the waning years of the Ancien Régime. Marin, a skilled sculptor known for his intricate modeling, draws from ancient Greek and Roman inspirations, portraying a nymph—a playful, ethereal companion to Bacchus, the god of wine and revelry. The terracotta medium, fired clay prized for its warmth...