After models by René Frémin (1672-1744), French, in early 18th century style

With Blaine & Booth Antiques Co., New York, 1968

Overall standard surface abrasions and losses and chips throughout. Remainders of various paint layers. It appears both sculptures have been broken: at arms and some fingers, on three ankles, areas of fruit and flowers on both, and the necks of both sculptures. Cracks on Flora's proper left elbow area. These two sculptures would benefit from small restorations. Very decorative and generally stable.
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In 1706-1709 Frémin carved six marble statues for the Cascade Champêtre at the Chateau of Marly of which only the Flora was rescued by Lenoir during the Revolution. Later Flora was moved to the Palais Bourbon, then Malmaison, and it finally entered the Louvre in 1877 (inv. no. RF265). Several later versions of Flora in plaster, terracotta, bronze and marble are recorded by Souchal (op.cit., pp. 305-306). However, no version, including the original marble, of Ceres survives. Therefore this pair of figures, if indeed this Ceres is Fremin's model, appears to be an important record of part of Frémin's sculptural programme in the gardens at Marly. The presence of this Ceres also suggests that the two figures were modelled in the 18th century, prior to Lenoir's rescue of Flora during the French Revolution.

RELATED LITERATURE
F. Souchal, French sculptors of the 17th and 18th centuries. The reign of Louis XIV, Oxford, 1977, pp. 305-306, no. 14
J.-R. Gaborit, Sculpture française. II - Renaissance et temps modernes, Musée du Louvre, Paris, 1998, p. 385, no. RF265 (ed.)