Figure group symbolic of Astronomy

Unknown

ca. 1775 · Oak and beech, carved and painted · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

This sculptural group symbolizes Astronomy. A celestial sphere surmounted by an eagle with outstretched wings is flanked by two winged and kneeling putti as well as a floral garland. Its pair (07.225.14b) symbolizes Geography. This anonymous carving bears resemblance to drawings by Ange-Jacques Gabriel (1698-1782), the principal architect of Louis XV who was responsible for the Petit Trianon, the opera theatre at Versailles and many modifications at the palace. In May of 1774, Gabriel supplied drawings for a library at Versailles for Louis XV’s grandson who had succeeded him as Louis XVI that same month. These drawings show closely related compositions symbolizing Geography and Astronomy (but without the crowning birds) intended as over doors above the double doors in the room. Although the designs were rejected by the new king, it is possible that the sculptural groups had already been made or were executed after all. The cock, an allusion to France, and eagle, the emblem of Austria, probably refer to the union of Louis XVI and his Austrian wife, Marie-Antoinette. Traces of paint indicate that these carvings have been stripped of their original surface decoration.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1775

Medium

Oak and beech, carved and painted

Culture

French

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1906