Maiden

Barthélemy Prieur

1585–94 · Bronze · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

These are the most widely replicated of Prieur’s statuettes. There is an implicit contrast between social types, that of the fashionable gentleman holding gloves (see 64.101.1565) and that of the simple but chic countrywoman lifting her skirt while offering an apple (in some cases a basket is slung over her same left arm). The dancing forms as well as the red translucent lacquer patination were generically inspired by Giambologna and his followers in Florence.

Artist

Barthélemy Prieur

Date

1585–94

Medium

Bronze

Culture

French, possibly Sedan

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Irwin Untermyer, 1964