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Saint Paul
Joseph Chinard (1756–1813)
French
18th century
1781
Object Place: Europe, France
Medium/Technique
Terracotta
Dimensions
Overall: 59.5 x 23.5 x 20cm (23 7/16 x 9 1/4 x 7 7/8in.)
Credit Line
Frank B. Bemis Fund and Mary S. and Edward J. Holmes Fund
Accession Number1997.18
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsSculpture
Chinard was the most gifted artist in Lyons during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. These beautifully modeled statuettes - Chinard's earliest known documented works - were commissioned for the private chapel of the Charcot family at their estate near Lyons. Strongly influenced by the seventeenth century Italian Baroque style, the statuettes were conceived as finished sculptures, not as models for larger works in another medium.
DescriptionDated: "1781 à Lyon". Studio stamp: "Chinard sculpteur". Standing bearded man, dressed in robe with a buckled belt and wrapped in a heavy cloak leaving robe and proper left shoulder apparent. Ankle cut robe leaves feet visible. Head turned to left readin
Provenance1781, M. Charcot, Lyon, France (original commission) [see note 1]; to his daughter, Mme. Mollière, Lyon; by descent within the family to M. and Mme. Mollière, Lyon; sold by M. and Mme. Mollière to Galerie Michel Descours, Lyon; 1997, sold by Michel Descours to the MFA. (Accession Date: March 26, 1997)
NOTES:
[1] Two statuettes by Joseph Chinard (MFA accession nos. 1997.17 and 1997.18) were commissioned by Mr. Charcot for his private chapel. Their provenance was provided by the Galerie Michel Descours at the time of the acquisition.
NOTES:
[1] Two statuettes by Joseph Chinard (MFA accession nos. 1997.17 and 1997.18) were commissioned by Mr. Charcot for his private chapel. Their provenance was provided by the Galerie Michel Descours at the time of the acquisition.