Bather (from a fountain group)

myminifactory

This masterpiece is the last remaining piece of an impressive fountain ensemble acquired by Louis Philippe Joseph d'Orléans, the future duc d'Orléans, for his exquisite English garden at Monceau (now Parc Monceau) on the outskirts of Paris. According to a contemporary account, the original fountain featured a stunning white marble basin with a woman bathing in its center, surrounded by a black servant pouring water from a gilded ewer behind her. Unfortunately, the group barely survived its owner's tragic fate as the duke was beheaded in 1793, and it suffered significant damage during the Revolution. Houdon initially proposed the ensemble for royal patronage, but it was rejected due to its high cost. Ultimately, it was sponsored by a wealthy and liberal-minded duke who would later commission Houdon's bronze sculpture "Frileuse." It is possible that this patron was drawn to the relaxed naturalism of the bathing woman or the groundbreaking portrayal of a black servant. Whatever the reason, the striking contrast between the two figures, achieved through their differing materials and poses, made a lasting impression on all who saw the group. Our surviving figure has undergone significant restoration work, including the filling of bullet holes, replacement of damaged limbs, and the addition of romantic ivy-covered stonework behind its elegantly draped seat. Despite these repairs, the original charm and freshness of the concept remain apparent.