AFTER SIMON-LOUIS-BOIZOT (FRENCH, 1743–1809)

These bronze groups are later copies of models originally conceived by Simon-Louis Boizot (1743–1809) for reproduction in biscuit de Sèvres, which the sculptor exhibited in the Salon of 1786. Boizot drew his inspiration for these works from the earlier models of Pluto and Prosperine and Boreas and Oreithyia by François Girardon (1628-1715) and Gaspard Marsy (1624-1681), respectively, and designed by Le Brun to be erected in the garden at Versailles as decoration for the Parterre d'Eau.
From the late 18th century throughout the nineteenth century, many bronze casts after the two Boizot groups were collected as indicators of status and wealth and placed on display for all to see in salons and drawing rooms. Two such bronzes dated from the second-quarter 19th century are in the prestigious Wallace Collection, London (inv. S196 & S197).