Parisian Belle Époque Bronze Bust of Marie Antoinette in the Manner of Mathurin Moreau, c.1880

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Description

Parisian Belle Époque Bronze Bust of Marie Antoinette
In the Manner of Mathurin Moreau, c.1880
Bring refined French elegance into … Read more Parisian Belle Époque Bronze Bust of Marie Antoinette
In the Manner of Mathurin Moreau, c.1880
Bring refined French elegance into your home with this exquisite Parisian bronze bust of Marie Antoinette, crafted in the manner of Mathurin Moreau—one of the most admired sculptors of 19th-century France.
A beautifully balanced artwork that captures authentic Belle Époque character and timeless sophistication.

Description
This romantic cast bronze bust, originating from Paris circa 1880, portrays Marie Antoinette with the soft, idealized features characteristic of the Moreau school.
Her flowing coiffure, serene expression, and graceful drapery evoke the revival of 18th-century elegance that defined late 19th-century French art.
The piece is mounted on a striking breccia marble base, displaying a rich palette of warm earthy tones—reds, ochres, and creams—enhanced by natural veining that complements the sculpture’s refined form and presence.

About Marie Antoinette
Marie Antoinette (1755–1793), the last Queen of France before the Revolution, remains one of Europe’s most iconic and enigmatic figures.
Celebrated for her beauty, taste, and influence on fashion, she embodied the grace and refinement of Versailles society.
During the Belle Époque, artists and sculptors rediscovered her as a muse of grace and tragedy, creating romanticized portraits that symbolized the poetic ideal of 18th-century femininity.

About Mathurin Moreau (1822–1912)
One of the foremost sculptors of 19th-century France, Mathurin Moreau was renowned for his allegorical and decorative figures in bronze.
His work is distinguished by:
Serene, idealized expressions
Graceful classical forms
Flowing drapery and balanced composition
Masterful bronze casting
Parisian foundries often produced bronzes “in the manner of Mathurin Moreau,” reflecting his refined aesthetic—perfectly embodied in this piece.

Provenance
From a private collection, curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.
Collector Context
In late 19th-century Paris, finely cast bronzes and decorative busts were prized by collectors and connoisseurs alike.
Notable figures such as Henry Oppenheim assembled collections of gilt and patinated bronzes that celebrated the romantic and artistic revival of the era.
This bust exemplifies the same Parisian craftsmanship and poetic sensibility that captivated collectors during the Belle Époque.

Why You’ll Love It
Graceful portrait of Marie Antoinette with timeless French charm
Authentic Parisian bronze, c.1880
Refined modeling in the manner of Mathurin Moreau
Original breccia marble base for stability and contrast
Warm antique patina with genuine aged character

Dimensions
Height: 18.5 cm
Width: 9 cm
Depth: 6 cm
Base: 6.3 × 6.3 cm
Weight: approx. 1.2 kg
An elegant and compact size, ideal for mantels, desks, display cabinets, or gallery shelves.

Ideal For
Collectors of antique bronzes
Admirers of Marie Antoinette and French history
Belle Époque and Rococo revival enthusiasts
Interior designers seeking refined French décor

Click “Buy It Now” to secure this beautiful piece of French history and craftsmanship.
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