A pair of Sèvres biscuit figure groups on gilt-brass bases, known as La Curosité and La Loterie, based on engravings by Cochin of Boucher drawings, one incised B for the period in which Bachelier was head of the modeller's studio, the other F for the period in which Falconet was the head. France, ca 1765  © 2012 MALLETT ANTIQUES

This famous pair of biscuit groups were modelled at Sevres in 1757 based on engravings by Cochin of Boucher drawings which the latter had supplied to the Beauvais tapestry manufactory.

Louis XV was the first purchaser of groups of this model which were included in his gift to Empress Maria Theresa of Austria. Madame de Pompadour's inventory shows that she owned a pair and their enduring popularity is demonstrated by the fact that the First Consul (later the Emperor Napoleon) purchased a pair in Year XI (1800). Sevres biscuit groups are rarely found on original or later 18th century bronze bases such as these. However, we can see from the inventory of Louis XVI's apartments at Versailles that they were frequently displayed like this when new. http://www.mallettantiques.com/