French Artist, Bust of Marie Antoinette, 19th Century, Alabaster

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Description

Alabaster Bust of Marie Antoinette, 19th-Century Reproduction

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This charming alabaster bust, dating back to the late 19th century, gracefully … Read more Alabaster Bust of Marie Antoinette, 19th-Century Reproduction

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This charming alabaster bust, dating back to the late 19th century, gracefully depicts the figure of Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France.
The finely crafted sculpture captures the delicacy and elegance typical of the Neoclassical and Rococo periods.
The alabaster, with its characteristic luminosity and subtle grain, enhances the delicate facial features, the elaborate hairstyle, and the refined draping of the dress.

The artist, although not the creator of the original, demonstrates great mastery in reproducing the details:

Face: The queen's serene and slightly dreamy expression, with her gaze turned to the side, conveys a sense of intimacy and nobility.

Hair and Headdress: The elaborate hairstyle is meticulously sculpted, featuring soft curls that frame the face and a graceful bow that secures the hairstyle.

Dress: The bust is elegantly draped in a sinuously pleated dress, embellished with a delicate bow motif on the chest that adds a touch of refinement.

This piece represents not only a high-quality work of decorative art, but also a fragment of history, testifying to the enduring fascination with the figure of Marie Antoinette, who continued to inspire artists and sculptors throughout the 19th century.
The small imperfections and signs of aging visible on the surface are evidence of its authenticity.

The bust rests on a columned base that enhances its silhouette.

Provenance and Original Reference:

This sculpture is a later reproduction of the famous marble bust of Marie Antoinette sculpted by Félix Lecomte (1737-1817).
The original work was created in 1783 and presented at the Paris Salon, receiving great success and being praised for its remarkable resemblance to the queen.

The original bust of Félix Lecomte is now preserved in the Queen's Apartments at the Palace of Versailles.
Many subsequent sculptors, throughout the 19th century, created copies or variations of this model in various materials, including marble, terracotta, and alabaster, making it an icon of French art and history.
The dimensions are as follows: height 42 cm, width 24 cm. See less