This charming pair of French terra cotta statues depicts a male and female musician and was made during the latter half of the 1800s.  Both statues have been stamped “GOSSIN PARIS” on the back sides. The Gossin factory in Paris was led by two brothers, Etienne (died in 1900) and Louis (1846-1928).  The brothers regularly showed their wares at the official art exhibition of the Académie des Beaux-Arts, the Salon de Paris, where they would often bring home medals for outstanding quality works. They were very well known for their ornamental terra cotta fabrications which were exhibited all over the country, where they also took home various medals.

Both of these statues represent musicians siting upon rocky bases decorated with flowers, and our male musician has been depicted holding a “musette de cour”, which is a relative of the bagpipe.  The female musician can be seen with a “vielle à roue” in her lap.  A vielle à roue is a string instrument that produces sound when a crank is turned.  The crank rotates a wheel that rubs against the strings.  The sound can be compared to that of a violin.

Place this elegant pair of 19th century terra cotta musician statues on any table surface.  You could also turn these into table lamps as each statue has a small hole in the top of their heads, perhaps indicating that a previous owner had done this.

CONDITION:  Good condition with some minor losses and previous professional restorations.  Surface buildup and general wear.  Small old holes in top of heads indicating possible previous use as lamps.