The Four Seasons

The Four Seasons Refined set of four Lorrain terracotta statuettes depicting the allegories of the Four Seasons, made from a model by Paul-Louis Cyfflé. All specimens bear the mark of the Toul-Bellevue Manufactory, attributable to the management period of Jules Aubry (1860-1898), attesting to their 19th-century French production. The figures exhibit the grace and vivacity typical of productions inspired by Cyfflé, renowned for his terracotta compositions and the elegance of his Rococo-style statuettes. The meticulous modeling of details, combined with the quality of Lorrain terracotta, gives the set significant decorative and collectible value. Biographical notes: Paul-Louis Cyfflé was born in Bruges in 1724. After studying at the Bruges Academy, he moved to Paris in 1741 and subsequently to the ducal court of Lunéville in 1746, where he became a student and collaborator of sculptor Barthélemy Guibal. Upon Guibal's death, Cyfflé assumed the role of official sculptor for Duke Stanislaus Leszczynski. Among his most famous works are the statues for the fountain in Place d'Alliance in Nancy. In 1768, he obtained from Louis XV the privilege to found a ceramic manufactory in Lunéville, where he produced high-quality statuettes and decorative objects. His production had wide dissemination, and his models continued to be adopted and reinterpreted by 19th-century French manufactories, as evidenced by this set of the Four Seasons. Manufactory: France, Toul-Bellevue Ceramic Manufactory Period: 19th century Author / Model: Paul-Louis Cyfflé (after a model by) Material: Lorrain Terracotta Measurements: approx. h. 19-20 cm each Origin: Private collection. Condition: Good general condition. Small chip on the base of the statuette depicting Summer.