The circle of Germain Pilon (French 1537-1590): A 16th century French oval marble shallow relief carved with Leda and the Swan

Inscribed in pencil to the reverse, 'From the Collection of Sir G.B Forestier-Walker Wentloog Castle, Mon', 31cm high x 36cm wide - Sold for £2,200 plus Premium and tax

Provenance: Purchased from Bonhams 30.03.97 lot 137, London.

Note ; Germain Pilon was one of the most important and distinguished sculptors of the French Renaissance, and excelled in working with marble, bronze, wood and terra cotta and drawing. Much of his work was for tombs and funerary monuments, and he created the beautiful bronze figures for the tomb of Henri II and Catherine de' Medici at Abbey Church of Saint Denis Basilica, fitting as he was Catherine's favourite sculptor.

The present composition is derived from a painting by Michelangelo of about 1530 in tempera, for the Duke of Ferrara. It depicts Leda, the queen of Sparta who is seduced by Jupiter after his transformation into a swan. After this seduction the twins Castor and Pollux are born from one egg and Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra from another. This was a highly popular theme in Renaissance art, and possibly derives from a classical motif found on ancient sarcophagus reliefs. Leopnardo, Raphael and Michelangelo all completed works based on this theme.

The painting was not given to its original patron but was instead sent to the King of France, where artists such as Pilon could well have seen it and been inspired to create the present relief; as marble and alabaster reliefs of this type were particularly popular at the French court at this time.

Bonhams. Early European Works of Art and Sculpture, including The Avery Collection, Knightsbridge Furniture, Carpets and Rugs, 11 Dec 2007. Knightsbridge