The Bather

Jean Antoine Houdon

ca. 1780 or 19th–early 20th century · Terracotta · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

The original composition of Houdon's fountain at the Parc Monceau is believed to be preserved in this patinated terracotta sketch. It fails, however, to capture the striking impact of the lost group in which the lead figure of the black servant stood in vivid contrast to the white marble of the basin and the seated bather herself.

Artist

Jean Antoine Houdon

Date

ca. 1780 or 19th–early 20th century

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

French

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

The Friedsam Collection, Bequest of Michael Friedsam, 1931