The Theft of the Rose 1789

Louis-Simon Boizot created this terracotta sculpture, ‘The Theft of the Rose,’ sometime in the late 18th century. This playful scene offers a glimpse into the cultural values of pre-revolutionary France. We see three figures enacting a moment of lighthearted mischief. A young boy stands atop a classical pedestal, reaching for a rose, encouraged by another boy, while a woman looks on with a mix of amusement and concern. The sculpture blends classical and Rococo styles, reflecting the artistic tastes of the French elite. The choice of terracotta, a more affordable material than marble, suggests this work was intended for a private collection, perhaps displayed in a salon or garden. Boizot, as director of the Sèvres porcelain factory, was deeply involved in shaping the decorative arts favored by the French aristocracy. Such pieces were not merely decorative, they were potent signifiers of social status. To fully understand this sculpture, one might consult period literature, fashion plates, and the records of institutions like the Sèvres factory, all resources that can shed light on the social world that gave rise to such delicate objects.