A Putto with Castanets
Gille Jeune (1798 - 1868)
Category
Ceramics
Date
1855 - 1864
Materials
Parian
Measurements
900 x 500 mm
Place of origin
Paris
Order this imageCollection
Hughenden, Buckinghamshire
NT 429120.5
Summary
A biscuit (unglazed) porcelain statue of a young boy, is seated on a tree stump with a large beetle, his body is turned, his arms are raised and he holds castanets in his hands, he wears a head band and a scarf covers his arm and thigh, the mould is incised ‘Gille Jne Fab[ric]ant. Paris', for Jean-Baptiste Gille called ‘Gille jeune’ (French, 1798–1868, active Paris), Paris, France, c. 1855-64. One of two putti by Jean-Baptiste Gille which were acquired in 1982 as a gift. Now displayed alongside the two original statues representing the Four Seasons (429120.1 and 429120.2) by the same sculptor. In 1836, Gille created his own porcelain manufactory at 28 rue du Paradis-Poissonnière, Paris. His work earned many prizes at exhibitions in Paris and London. The original four figures may have been among the white porcelain ornamental figures and groups Gille displayed at the 1862 International Exhibition in London. Acquired by Viscountess Beaconsfield in 1864.
Provenance
Three sculptures of putti from original set representing the Four Seasons acquired by Viscountess Beaconsfield 4 May 1864 (one of which is broken in pieces in Store). 'Woodgate for 4 biscuit white china figures of the seasons for the garden at Hughenden', £60 (a/c book). 'Fixed with cement' by Broughton (30 Aug 1864, a/c book). Other two sculptures of putti (429120.4 and 429120.5) are by the same sculptor, but are not part of original Four Seasons, and were acquired in 1982 as a gift. Fourth original sculpture of putto representing Winter no longer in collection, location post 1881 unknown.
Marks and inscriptions
‘Gille Jne Fab[ric]ant. Paris' (Gille Junior Creator, Paris). Position: side of base.
Makers and roles
Gille Jeune (1798 - 1868), sculptor