Young Boy - after Charles-Antoine Bridan

Italy, 19th Century
Marble
H 57 cm x W 18 cm x D 15.5 cm

This delightful Carrara marble sculpture depicts a young boy playfully holding a bird, based on a model by the esteemed French sculptor Charles-Antoine Bridan. The figure is part of a pair with its pendant, the Girl Weeping over an Empty Bird’s Nest, which highlights the boy's role in the narrative—having taken the bird, much to the dismay of the girl.
The sculpture is believed to be inspired by ancient Roman sculptures found in the Villa Borghese in Rome. Bridan's prime versions in marble were executed for Cardinal de Luynes in 1759. A pair of terracotta versions from the sculptor's studio are in the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Chartres, while 18th-century bronze and marble reproductions were produced by Righetti and Carlo Albacini respectively.
The present sculpture showcases exquisite carving and a rich patina, indicative of skilled craftsmanship. The boy stands against a tree stump, draped with a piece of fabric. His figure, characterized by full, rounded forms and expressive features, captures a sense of youthful innocence and joy. The boy's head is inclined, detailed with lovingly carved hair styled in soft curls, bound with a tainia—a symbol of childhood and innocence.
His high cheeks and sparkling, laughing eyes convey an endearing quality, complemented by his partially open mouth, which suggests a light-hearted interaction with the bird. The overall composition communicates a serene representation of childhood and the playful spirit of youth, embodying the essence of life in its bloom.
In summary, this sculpture encapsulates the charm of 19th-century Italian replication of classic themes, bridging the elegance of Bridan's craftsmanship with a tender portrayal of youthful playfulness.