Lot Essay
Sèvres began producing this group shortly after Falconet's original marble was exhibited in the 1763 Salon. This particular model must have been executed before Falconet's departure for Russia in 1766 as it bears his mark to the reverse. For a similar model and discussion of sales in the Sèvres archives see Marie-Noëlle Pinot de Villechenon, et al., Exhibition catalogue, Falconet á Sèvres ou l'art de laire, 1757-1766 (Paris, 2001), pp. 171-2, cat. no. 98b and p. 94, cat. no. 7 for the marble group of Pygmalion et Galatée or Pygmalion au pied de sa statue, á l'instant où elle s'anime (illustrated p. 40). The marble attracted great admiration and Diderot commented on Falconet's ability to capture the moment of Pygmalion's amazement: 'O la chose précieuse que ce petit groupe de Falconet...O Falconet comment as-tu fait pour mettre dans un morceau de pierre blanche la surprise, la joie et l'amour fondus ensemble'.