Torchère figure (one of a pair) 19th century

Augustin Pajou created this Torchère figure, one of a pair, from terracotta during a time of shifting social values and artistic expression. In eighteenth-century France, the Rococo style emphasized elegance and luxury, often portraying idealized images of the aristocracy. Pajou's sculpture offers a glimpse into the role of women in that era. While seemingly a celebration of the female form, the figure also embodies the societal expectations placed on women as objects of beauty and servitude. She silently holds the torchère, her gaze downcast, embodying a sense of quiet compliance. The torchère itself, meant to illuminate and enhance the surrounding space, becomes an extension of her being. It begs the question, does this sculpture uphold traditional representations, or does it hint at alternative narratives of female agency and identity? Consider the emotional weight of this piece and how it shapes societal perceptions of femininity.