A French terracotta figure of Ceres first half of the 17th century

Small losses and surface abrasions throughout. Restoration to nose and tip of chin. Some surface restorations to lower section below knees (such as proper left calf). Horizontal repaired break through shins and to drapery behind. With thin terracotta slip on surface. Some restorations and chipping to drapery. Stable and very attractive.
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This figure appears to derive from a group of French sculpture, which has its origins in the Fontainebleau School of Germain Pilon, in particular his work on the tomb of Henri II. Although overall more Baroque in demeanor, this terracotta shares several characteristics with an early 17th century polychrome terracotta group of the Virgin and Child (Musée du Louvre 1984, op. cit., no. 12) probably originally from the church of the Grands Augustin. The slight swaying motion of the body, the general drapery style and the diminutive, late mannerist head is evident in both terracottas. Also compare the proportions and drapery style of the four wood caryatids from the châsse of St. Geneviève and the figure of the Magdalen also from the Fontainebleau School.

RELATED LITERATURE

M. Beaulieu, Description raisonnée des sculptures de la Renaissane française, Musée du Louvre, vol. II, Paris, 1978, nos. 234-238
Nouvelles acquisitions du Département des Sculptures (1980-1983), Musée du Louvre, Paris, 1984, pp. 42-43