French Bronze Group Call Of The Triton Conch Sea Putti After Clodion C1820

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 playful movement. Cast entirely in solid patinated bronze — including its rare, fully integrated bronze base — this sculpture is an impressive 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 captures the fluid Rococo lines, expressive charm, and dynamic movement for which his school became renowned. The Triton child raises the conch to summon the sea, while the attendant putti twist and embrace in joyful animation. The sculpture retains its original warm patina, with fine ciselure (hand-chasing) visible in 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 — exceptionally heavy for its size, with commanding presence.
Foundry Notes — In the Manner of Gonon Frères, Paris
This sculpture exhibits casting characteristics, surface refinement, patina tone, and alloy density closely aligned with works produced by the renowned atelier of Gonon Frères, active circa 1800–1830. The foundry was admired for its exceptionally heavy, thick-walled castings, meticulous surface finishing, and the rare practice of casting sculpture and base as a single unified bronze.
The piece is unsigned and bears no visible foundry stamp, which is typical of early 19th-century French bronzes. Any original mark may have worn away over time, or it may never have been applied — a common practice among early Restoration works in the Gonon Frères tradition. The overall craftsmanship strongly supports this stylistic attribution.
Rare Early Casting Method
Produced using a superior early 19th-century technique, this bronze features thick-walled casting with an integrated base, achieved through a hybrid of lost-wax casting (for the figures) and sand casting (for the base). Both sections were expertly unified through hand-chasing, resulting in exceptional weight, durability, and sculptural depth — a quality seldom seen after the 1830s.
About Clodion (Claude Michel, 1738–1814)
Clodion was one of France’s most celebrated sculptors, renowned for his terracottas of putti, nymphs, satyrs, and Bacchic dancers. Although this piece dates from around 1820, slightly after his lifetime, it clearly belongs to the École de Clodion, continuing the elegance, fluidity, and joyful classicism for which he was admired. Parisian founders often created bronzes “After Clodion” to satisfy collectors’ enduring fascination with his style.
Mythological Theme
The subject represents Triton, son of Poseidon, sounding his conch shell to command the waves. Reinterpreted here as playful sea putti, the scene conveys charm, poetry, and maritime vitality — a theme highly prized by early 19th-century collectors.
Date
France, circa 1820
Early Restoration period
Condition Report
Good original condition with rich, untouched antique patina and areas of verdigris consistent with age. Unsigned and without foundry mark, as typical for the period. Any original stamp may have worn away or may never have been applied. No structural issues are present, and the surface retains its authentic period finish. Minor wear and small losses to the fabric lining underneath.
Key Features
Authentic early 19th-century French bronze
Mythological subject of Triton and Sea Putti
Created in the manner of the Gonon Frères foundry
Influence of Clodion’s Rococo and Neoclassical style
Rare thick-walled casting with integrated bronze base
Substantial 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 — including the Marquis de Sommariva (1755–1829), celebrated for his admiration of the Clodion school — prized works of this character. Triton-themed compositions with richly patinated Restoration-period casting were particularly sought after among such refined circles.
Shipping and Purchase
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Summary
Large early 19th-century French bronzes with original casting, untouched patina, and stylistic alignment with the Gonon Frères tradition are exceptionally rare. This Triton and Sea Putti group stands as a museum-quality work — a testament to French craftsmanship, classical inspiration, and enduring artistic grace.