Phryne, immodest version - Jean-Jacques Pradier (1790-1852)

Phryne, XIXth century bronze sculpture by Jean Jacques Pradier known as James Pradier.

A rare version called "immodest", it is more revealing than the usual model.
Susse Frères foundry mark.


The first monumental representation of the subject, Phryne was one of the most notable sculptures at the 1845 Salon. Having initially sketched a nymph figure, Pradier finally gave her the name Phryne. A courtesan of Athens, Phryne is said to have been the model for Praxiteles, whose mistress she was, for his Aphrodite of Cnidus. Accused of impiety, she was unveiled by the orator Hyperides before the judges of the Areopagus, who acquitted her because of her beauty. Pradier, who saw himself as the worthy heir of Praxiteles, sculpted her figure in Parian marble, which he enhanced with polychromy and gold, some traces of which remain on the edge of the drapery. Inspired as much by the Greek sculptor's Diana of Gabii as by the nymphs of Goujon's Fountain of the Innocents or Ingres' Venus Anadyomene, Pradier achieves a subtle balance of volume and line, the tight folds of the drapery highlighting the fluid and ample forms of the female body. The suspended gesture, the inclination of the head and the slight contrapposto lend Phryne a reserve and an internalized grace that instill doubt: is she veiling or unveiling herself?