Cavalier
Barthélemy Prieur French
These are the most widely replicated of Prieur’s statuettes. There is an implicit contrast between social types, that of the fashionable gentleman holding gloves and that of the simple but chic countrywoman (see 64.101.1564) lifting her skirt while offering an apple (in some cases a basket is slung over her same left arm). The dancing forms as well as the red translucent lacquer patination were generically inspired by Giambologna and his followers in Florence.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.