After Etienne-Maurice Falconet French, 1716 – 1791. French, 19th century reproduction statue / figurine. La Baigneuse (Bathing Woman). Venus was a popular subject in 18th century French art. The Goddess of Spring and Love, she was sometimes represented as having been born in the sea with a scallop shell for a chariot. Falconet, the Rococo sculptor who produced statues and figurines for the French aristocracy, has placed a seashell at the base of his work, associating her with the ancient Roman goddess. While portraying her in the Hellenistic manner of a Venus preparing for the ritual bath, he also depicts her according to his ideal of womanhood, with slender waist, ankles and wrists. First displayed at an exhibition in the Louvre in 1757, La Baigneuse, also known as The Bather, became immensely popular in France. La Baigneuse was created from resin, and made and imported from Italy. A Museum Company exclusive. Please see pictures for details of condition.