Bust Of Louise Brongniart After Houdon, Terracotta And Turquin Marble, Late 19th Century - 45cm

Large bust of Louise Brongniart after Houdon, terracotta on a turquin blue marble base, late 19th century and early 20th century. Houdon represented as a pair the busts of Louise Brongniart (5 years old) and her brother Alexandre Brongniart (7 years old). These two terracotta portraits were presented at the Salon of 1777. They enjoyed great popularity, had multiple versions in marble and bronze and were reproduced in Sèvres biscuit and terracotta. They remained in the Brongniart family until their acquisition by the Louvre, in 1898 for Louise, in 1900 for Alexandre. The sculpture of our bust is well treated, the features are delicate and well proportioned with the lively eyes, whereas we can often see impasto features in the reinterpretations that have been made elsewhere. It is treated in terracotta on a marble base, like the original and which gives it great freshness, with a lighter 18th century spirit than the bronze interpretations. It is a furnishing and very decorative piece, on a fireplace, a chest of drawers or a duct. Our bust is in very good condition, no accidents. Height: 45cm