The Sacrifice to Ceres 1766

Louis Simon Boizot made this terracotta relief sculpture entitled 'The Sacrifice to Ceres' in the late eighteenth century. Terracotta, meaning 'baked earth' in Italian, is a humble material, yet here it's been used to create a refined Neoclassical composition. Boizot's mastery of the material is evident in the smooth, subtle modeling of the figures, and the crisp details of the architectural setting. It's likely he used plaster casts to create the final terracotta relief. Plaster casts allowed him to reproduce his designs, which were in great demand. This piece would have been seen as a fashionable object, embodying classical taste and knowledge, which had a significant impact on art and design during the 18th century. Mass production was not yet the norm, so skilled artisans such as Boizot would have been essential to meet demand. By considering materials and making, we can better understand how 'The Sacrifice to Ceres' embodies both luxury and labor, and also the increasing commodification of art in this period.