Étienne-Maurice Falconet "La Nymphe prenant son bain", bronze sculpture, 1757

Artistic explanation: "The Nymph Taking Her Bath" is a sculpture by à‰tienne-Maurice Falconet dating from 1757 (1716-1791). It depicts a nude young woman entering her bath, capturing an intimate moment.

Posture and expression: The nymph is in a natural pose, leaning slightly forward, highlighting the feminine curves and anatomical details.
The details of the drapery, hair and skin are rendered with precision, demonstrating Falconet's mastery of bronze. The play of light adds a realistic dimension.
The choice of the nymph, a mythological figure linked to nature and water, reflects the influence of classical and mythological themes in the 18th century.

Historical context: Produced in 1757, during the height of Rococo art in France, characterised by elegance and refinement. The work shows a transition to Neoclassicism with a simplicity of form. Commissioned by Ange Laurent Lalive de Jully, it illustrates the interest of the elite in classical art.

Explanation of the caster: The quality of the casting is the result of the work of an expert bronze caster, although the specific caster is not documented. The founders of the period, such as Jean-Baptiste Claude Odiot and the Keller brothers, worked closely with the sculptors.

Museum references: Examples can be found in the Musée du Louvre in Paris, the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Lyon and the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg.

Symbolism of the work : The sculpture symbolises the ideals of beauty and purity, the intimate relationship between man and nature, and the stylistic transitions of the 18th century, anticipating neoclassicism.

Link with Mme de Pompadour's daughter: Falconet, supported by Mme de Pompadour, could have been inspired by the youth and beauty of her daughter Alexandrine, as well as the influence of her mother.