Young Girl Carrying a Garland of Roses on a Platter, early 1770s (terracotta)

Claude Michel, generally referred to as Clodion, is best known for his decorative terra-cotta statuettes. This work is quite representative of Clodion in both subject and style. The sculpture, which is developed upon works dating from the artist's earlier residency in Rome, represents a standing female figure carrying an abundant display of flora. The figure alludes to Greek and Roman depictions of the horae, or goddesses of the seasons, and, through the figure's floral crown and platter, can easily be attributed to the season of spring. signed near base: CLODION.