19th century marble sculpture of a putto and bird, signed 'Pigal'

19th century marble sculpture of a putto and bird, signed 'Pigal'
French, 19th Century
Height 48cm, width 33cm, depth 37cm
 
Crafted in the nineteenth century in France this fine marble sculpture depicts a young cherub, or boy or putto, interacting with a large bird, which seem interesting in whatever he is holding in his hands. Rendered with great artistry and skill, the piece is one of a number of variations upon this theme, all slightly different with regard to the dynamics of the interaction. In this work, the playful aspect is heightened.
 
The bird, stepping up with one leg and gently opening only one wing with beak closed, seems inquisitive rather than overtly threatening, and the cherub, while clutching his prize away from it, looks down somewhat intrigued and bemused, his expression betraying the hint of a small smile. The piece is certainly meant to be a more interesting take on the interaction, with other elements such as excess vines or goblets stripped away. The piece is signed 'Pigal', possibly a shortened form of Pigalle for Jean-Baptiste, but this remains speculation.