Grand Tour French Bronze Group Call Of The Triton Conch Sea Putti After Clodion
London, United Kingdom
Hassle-free returns
-
Easy returns (14 days)
-
Free return if the item isn't as described
-
Buyer protection
Damage is rare, and you're fully protected if it happens.
Dimensions
Wear Condition
Good
Material
Bronze
Style
Antique
Product Details
Description
Classical Grand Tour French Bronze Group – “Call of the Triton Conch” Sea Putti, After Clodion (c.1820) – In the Manner of Gonon Frères, Paris
A magnificent antique original early 19th-century French bronze depicting three sea putti, one acting as a young Triton sounding a conch shell while the others engage in lively, playful movement. Cast entirely in solid patinated bronze — including its rare fully integrated bronze base — this sculpture is a distinguished and impressive work from the Grand Tour era, created in the manner of the celebrated Parisian foundry Gonon Frères.
Modelled in the spirit of Clodion (Claude Michel), the group displays the flowing Rococo lines, expressive charm and swirling movement for which his school became celebrated. The Triton child lifts the conch to call the sea, while the two attendant putti twist and embrace with joyful animation. The sculpture retains its original warm patina, with fine ciselure (hand-chasing) carried through the hair, anatomy and drapery.
Dimensions:
- Height: 52.5 cm
- Width: 41.5 cm
- Depth: 39.5 cm
- Widest span: 48 cm
- Weight: Exceptionally heavy for its size at around 35 kg — a substantial and beautifully balanced bronze with commanding presence.
Foundry Notes — In the Manner of Gonon Frères, Paris:
This sculpture shows casting characteristics, surface refinement, patina tone and alloy density that align closely with works produced by the renowned atelier of Gonon Frères, active c.1800–1830. Their foundry was admired for exceptionally heavy, thick-walled castings, meticulous surface finishing and the rare practice of casting the sculpture and its base as a single unified bronze structure. The piece is unsigned and bears no visible foundry stamp, which is entirely typical for early 19th-century French bronzes.
Rare Early Casting Method:
This bronze was produced using a superior early 19th-century technique: a thick-walled bronze casting with a single-piece integrated bronze base, created through a hybrid of lost-wax casting (for the putti) and sand casting (for the heavy base). Both were unified through expert hand-chasing, giving the sculpture exceptional weight, durability and sculptural depth. Such casting quality is seldom seen after the 1830s.
About Clodion (Claude Michel, 1738–1814):
Clodion was one of France’s most celebrated sculptors, admired for his terracottas of putti, nymphs, satyrs and Bacchic dancers. Although this piece dates from c.1820 — slightly after his lifetime — it clearly belongs to the École de Clodion, continuing the elegance, fluidity and joyful classical spirit for which he was renowned.
Mythology:
The subject represents Triton, son of Poseidon, sounding his conch shell to command the waves. Rendered here as playful putti, the scene becomes poetic, charming and filled with maritime vitality — a theme highly valued by early 19th-century collectors.
Date:
France, Circa 1820
Early Restoration period.
Condition Report:
Good original condition with a rich, untouched antique patina & verdigris with appropriate age character. The sculpture is unsigned, and no foundry mark is visible — a normal feature of early 19th-century French bronzes. There are no structural issues and the surface retains its authentic period finish. Some losses and tears to the fabric lining underneath.
Worldwide Shipping Available:
Professionally packaged and fully insured for safe global delivery. For United Kingdom only, we offer Free mainland shipping as standard. For all International customers, any customs charges, demurrage, duty, taxes are your responsibility to pay.
Condition report:
Good original condition with a rich, untouched antique patina & verdigris with appropriate age character. The sculpture is unsigned, and no foundry mark is visible — a normal feature of early 19th-century French bronzes. There are no structural issues and the surface retains its authentic period finish. Some losses and tears to the fabric lining underneath.
Wear Condition
Good
Cancellations
We offer free cancellations and full refund for orders cancelled before dispatching. View full policy.
Returns
We have a 14-day return guarantee for orders from individual sellers, within the UK and European Union. View full policy.
Additional Delivery Info from Seller
We offer Free standard delivery to the United Kingdom & alls Islands and International destinations for small and medium sized pieces only, shipping charges are additional for large pieces please ask for a quote. We offer full online tracking provided for all United Kingdom & International deliveries we ship the with the following parcel couriers for small to medium sized items usually on a next working day delivery service DHL, DPD, Parcelforce, Fedex delivered to your door.
For large and extra large & heavy items can be delivered Aardvark Art Services via 1 man van courier to door UK mainland only the driver will need help to unload! if you require 2 persons to help carry this will incur an additional surcharge please ask for a quote.
For international buyers import duty, sales taxes, customs charges, storage fees are are additional and are the responsibility of the buyer to pay.
Estimated delivery time
Less than one week
Free collection available
Yes
Made to Last
The average lifespan of a Vinterior piece is 100 years, while modern flat-pack typically takes just 3 years to reach landfill. When you choose pre-loved, you can shop with confidence in quality, craftsmanship and longevity. With our top-rated customer service team and price match guarantee, there's no better way to shop pre-loved.
Shopping at Vinterior
Similar Statues
Similar Statues
Add to a wishlist
Create Wishlist
Completethe room
Good design is all in the layering. Whether you're adding impact or refining the details, now’s the time to find what’s missing.
Reviews
5.0
Based on 2 reviews
Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 12/02/2026
Clear, predictable protection for every pre-loved purchase.
Simple £75 flat return fee for UK-to-UK mainland furniture when you change your mind.
Applies to furniture with a final selling price of up to £5,000 (excluding delivery and service fees) and delivered from a UK mainland seller to mainland UK addresses. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
Buying vintage should feel inspiring, not uncertain.
Every order on Vinterior is backed by straightforward returns, free cancellations, and extra peace of mind for UK furniture purchases.
1. Free cancellations
Changed your mind before dispatch?
You can cancel any order before it's shipped for a full refund, including delivery.
To cancel an order, click Create cancellation on the order page.
Once an item has been dispatched, delivery costs are not refundable.
Bespoke, personalised or made-to-order pieces cannot be cancelled.
2. Returning an item
You have 14 days from delivery to request a return.
There are two return types:
A. The item isn't as described (free return)
If your piece arrives and it doesn't match the listing in any material way (incorrect description, undisclosed damage, inaccurate measurements, misleading photos), you are fully protected:
- Free return
- The seller or Vinterior arranges pickup
- Full refund, including outbound delivery costs once the seller receives the item
This applies to all purchases.
B. You changed your mind
UK-to-UK furniture deliveries:
To make UK furniture returns predictable and stress-free, we offer a simple flat return fee of £75.
- Applies to furniture delivered from a UK mainland seller to a mainland UK address. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
- Pickup arranged for you
- One clear fee, no surprises
We coordinate the return with either the seller's chosen courier or our trusted delivery partner.
All other items
Most smaller items are straightforward to return.
You can still return your item within 14 days.
- For smaller or parcel-sized items, you can choose to post the item back yourself using a tracked service, or the seller can suggest a preferred courier.
- For larger or more fragile pieces, the seller may recommend the safest return method.
- Return delivery costs vary depending on size and courier.
The seller will confirm the best option based on the item.
3. If your item arrives damaged
Damage on arrival is uncommon, especially for UK furniture deliveries.
But if something does go wrong, you're fully protected.
- Let us know as soon as possible (ideally within 72 hours of delivery) so we can resolve things quickly
- Share photos so we understand what happened
- We’ll help arrange a return and refund if needed
You’re always protected when something goes wrong in transit.
Your statutory rights apply for up to 30 days from delivery.
4. What can't be returned
Some items cannot be returned:
- Bespoke, personalised, or made-to-order pieces
- Items altered after delivery
5. How to start a return
- Log in to your Vinterior account
- Open your order
- Click Create a return
- Add notes + photos if relevant
We'll guide you through the rest.
6. What happens next
- We review your request, confirm the return and advise on next steps
- Pickup or return method is arranged
- The item is returned to the seller
- We issue your refund once the seller confirms the item's condition
Returns are completed smoothly once the pickup is arranged.
7. Refunds
Once the seller receives the piece back in the same condition it was sent, we'll issue your refund to your original payment method.
Once a refund is issued, it may take up to 5–10 working days for the funds to appear back on your original payment method, depending on your bank or card provider.
If the item is returned with new damage that wasn't present at delivery, the refund may be adjusted following review.
Need help?
If you have questions about a return or your order, our support team is here to help. Email us at [email protected] or find other ways to contact us here.
What your service fee covers
-
14-day return guarantee
-
Flat-fee return shipping on UK furniture
-
Seller vetting
-
Dedicated customer support
| Order Value (£) | Fee (£) |
|---|---|
| 0 — 49.99 | 2.75 |
| 50 — 99.99 | 5.50 |
| 100 — 199.99 | 11.00 |
| 200 — 399.99 | 21.00 |
| 400 — 599.99 | 30.00 |
| 600 — 799.99 | 40.00 |
| 800 — 999.99 | 50.00 |
| 1,000 — 1,499.99 | 55.00 |
| 1,500 — 1,999.99 | 60.00 |
| 2,000 — 4,999.99 | 82.50 |
| 5,000+ | 110.00 |
Added at checkout, based on your basket total.
