Air

Artist: Probably by Jean-Pierre Defrance (1694–1768)

Date: ca. 1750–60

Culture: French, Rouen

Medium: Limestone

Dimensions: Height: 7 ft. 4 3/4 in. (225.4 cm)

Classification: Sculpture

Credit Line: Purchase, Charles Ulrick and Josephine Bay Foundation Inc. Gift, 1964

Accession Number: 64.93.4

Description

Lining the rusticated, arched facade of the Henry Kravis wing of the Museum are four larger-than-lifesize Allegories of the Elements, made of limestone (64.93.1–.4). Originally standing in the gardens of the Château de Mussegros near Ecouis in Normandy, the figures can be attributed on stylistic grounds to the sculptor Jean-Pierre Defrance (1694–1768) and are dated around 1750.

Essays
Gardens of Western Europe, 1600-1800

Timelines
France, 1600-1800 A.D.

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts (42,202)

Artist / Maker / Culture

Jean-Pierre Defrance (4)

Object Type / Material

Geographic Location