Claude Michel | |
|---|---|
 Statue of Clodion byVital Gabriel Dubray [fr] | |
| Born | (1738-12-20)20 December 1738 |
| Died | 29 March 1814(1814-03-29) (aged 75) |
| Nationality | French |
| Known for | Sculpting, mainlyterracotta |
| Style | Rococo |
| Spouse | Flore Pajou (1781–1794) |
Claude Michel (20 December 1738 – 29 March 1814), known asClodion, was a Frenchsculptor in theRococo style, especially noted for his works in marble, bronze, &terracotta.
He was born inNancy to Anne Adam and Thomas Michel, an undistinguished sculptor. Anne was the sister of sculptorsLambert-Sigisbert Adam andFrancois Gaspard Adam. In Nancy and probably inLille he spent the earlier years of his life. In 1755 he came to Paris and entered the workshop of his maternal uncleLambert-Sigisbert Adam, an established sculptor. He remained four years in this workshop, and on his death became a pupil ofJean-Baptiste Pigalle. In 1759 he won the grand prize for sculpture at theAcadémie Royale. In 1761 he earned the first silver medal for studies from models. In 1762 he went toRome, where his activity was considerable between 1767 and 1771.[1]
Catherine II of Russia was eager to secure his presence inSt Petersburg, but he returned to Paris. Among his patrons, which were very numerous, were the chapter ofRouen, the states ofLanguedoc, and the director generale. His works were frequently exhibited at the Salon. In 1782 he married Catherine Flore, a daughter of the sculptorAugustin Pajou, who subsequently obtained a divorce from him. The agitation caused by theFrench Revolution drove Clodion in 1792 to Nancy, where he remained until 1798, His energies being spent in the decoration of houses.[1]
Among Clodion's works are a statue ofMontesquieu, a DyingCleopatra, and a chimneypiece at present in theVictoria and Albert Museum in London.[1] In 1782, he realized the decoration for thenymphaeum of theHôtel de Besenval.[2] His 1788 workDance of Time is in theFrick Collection in New York. Another known sculpture is called "The Intoxication of Wine".[3] One of his last groups representedHomer as a beggar being driven away by fishermen (1810). Clodion died in Paris, on the eve of the invasion of Paris by the forces of theSixth Coalition.[1]
Among the public collections holding works by Claude Michel are:
This article incorporates text from a publication now in thepublic domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Michel, Claude".Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 18 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 362.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) (see index,Clodion (Claude Michel): p. 127-128)
Media related toClodion at Wikimedia Commons
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