621. Claude Michel (1738-1814), French,

Charles de Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu,

1778-1783. Marble, 164 x 122 x 122 cm.

Musée du Louvre, Paris. Neoclassicism.

 

 

Clodion (Claude Michel)

(1738 Nancy –1814 Paris)

 

French sculptor Clodion spent the earlier years of his life in Nancy and probably in Lille. In 1755 he went to Paris and entered the workshop of Lambert Sigisbert Adam, his maternal uncle, a clever sculptor. He remained four years in this workshop, and on the death of his uncle became a pupil of J.B. Pigalle. In 1759 he obtained the grand prize for sculpture at the Académie Royale; in 1761 he obtained the first silver medal for studies from models; and in 1762 he went to Rome. Here his activity was considerable between 1767 and 1771. Catherine II was eager to secure his presence in St. Petersburg, but he returned to Paris. Among his numerous patrons were the chapter of Rouen, the states of Languedoc, and the Direction générale. His works were frequently exhibited at the Salon. In 1782 he married Catherine Flore, a daughter of the sculptor Augustin Pajou, who subsequently obtained a divorce from him. The agitation caused by the Revolution drove Clodion in 1792 to Nancy, where he remained until 1798, his energies being spent in the decoration of houses. On March 29, 1814 Clodion died in Paris, on the eve of the invasion of Paris by the allies.