After François‏ Duquesnoy, Bust of Child, Patinated Bronze, 1700s

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Bust “Child”, patinated bronze, after François‏ Duquesnoy, s. XVIII - France

Spectacular patinated bronze bust of a child on a … Read more Bust “Child”, patinated bronze, after François‏ Duquesnoy, s. XVIII - France

Spectacular patinated bronze bust of a child on a stepped ebonized wood pedestal. The bust shows a clear influence from the style of François Duquesnoy, a Flemish baroque sculptor recognized for his ability to create works of classical delicacy.
The bust could represent an angel, a putto or a youthful mythological figure, given its idealized air and the sweetness of its features. The inclination of the head and the melancholic or reflective expression of the face evoke an emotional delicacy characteristic of the work of said artist, highlighting a search for the intimate and human, which contrasts with the extreme drama of other baroque artists such as Bernini. The hair is depicted naturally, with loose, detailed curls.
The patinated bronze is worked with a soft finish that imitates the texture of the skin, achieving a contrast between the hardness of the material and the softness of the modeling. The dark patina highlights the details of the modeling. The musculature and modeling of the torso demonstrate a deep knowledge of classical anatomy, a direct influence of Duquesnoy's studies on ancient Greek and Roman sculptures.
The base acts as an architectural frame that enhances the work, giving it monumentality despite its small size. On the back of the base there is hardware that suggests that it could be part of a larger assembly or was anchored to some other element.

Title: “Child”
Materials: Bust in patinated bronze, base in ebonized wood
Author / School: Following François‏ Duquesnoy
Period: End of the 18th century
Good condition for its age and use / Slight missing on the pedestal that does not affect the overall vision of the piece
Country of origin: France
Dimensions: 38 x 12 x 18 cm. See less