Water 1745 - 1765

"Water", a terracotta sculpture created by Jean-Pierre Defrance between 1745 and 1765, is a masterful example of Rococo style. The figure of a woman pouring water from a large jar, likely representing a nymph, is depicted with delicate features and flowing drapery, typical of the period's emphasis on elegance and grace. The sculpture is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, standing tall at 7 feet 5 inches. Defrance's work, while influenced by the Rococo aesthetic, also hints at a classical inspiration through the figure's pose and the inclusion of a putto figure at the base, reflecting the artist's engagement with both artistic traditions.