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Sellers's Details
CHESHIRE ANTIQUES CONSULTANT LTD
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https://www.decorativecollective.com/dealers/cheshire-antiques-consultant-ltdItem Details
French School, Late 19th Century
Diana de Poitiers, After Jean-Antoine Houdon, circa 1880
French Bronze Portrait Bust on Breccia Marble
A refined late 19th-century French cast bronze portrait bust depicting Diana de Poitiers, circa 1499-1566, celebrated noblewoman of the French Renaissance and an influential figure at the court of Henry II of France.
Dating stylistically to circa 1880, the sculpture is catalogued as French School, after Jean-Antoine Houdon, 1741-1828.
Diana is portrayed with an elaborate coiffure, softly idealised features and gracefully arranged drapery. Her gently elevated head and composed expression give the sculpture an elegant and aristocratic presence.
The bronze has developed an attractive naturally aged brown patina. Deeper tonal passages accentuate the recesses of the hair, facial contours and flowing drapery, while subtle rubbing across raised surfaces provides warmer highlights.
The bust stands upon a richly figured square breccia marble base. Natural reds, ochres, creams and darker mineral veining provide a striking decorative contrast with the warm brown bronze.
Its compact cabinet scale makes the sculpture particularly suitable for display upon a console table, mantelpiece, library bookcase, writing desk or within a curated collection of European sculpture.
Diana de Poitiers
Diana de Poitiers was one of the most celebrated women of Renaissance France. Renowned for her beauty, sophistication and influence, she became closely associated with Henry II of France and subsequently developed an enduring place within French cultural history.
During the 19th century, renewed interest in Renaissance France encouraged artists and bronze founders to revisit celebrated historical personalities through romantic and idealised portraiture.
After Jean-Antoine Houdon
Jean-Antoine Houdon, 1741-1828, was one of the foremost French portrait sculptors of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
His refined approach to portraiture and highly accomplished modelling exerted a lasting influence upon European sculpture.
The present bronze is apparently unsigned and no identified foundry mark is currently known. It is therefore conservatively catalogued as French School, late 19th century, after Jean-Antoine Houdon.
The designation "after" indicates a later interpretation following a sculptural model or composition associated with Houdon and does not represent the present bronze as a direct work by the sculptor.
Provenance
Private collection.
Subsequently curated and presented by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.
Dimensions
Overall height: 18.5 cm
Width: 9 cm
Depth: 6 cm
Base: 6.3 x 6.3 cm
Weight: Approximately 1.2 kg
Condition
Good antique condition consistent with age.
The bronze retains an attractive naturally aged brown patina with gentle surface wear, rubbing and tonal variation.
The breccia marble base remains stable and retains green baize to the underside. Several small chips and minor losses are visible along the lower edges and corners.
No major structural damage or obvious repair has been identified under normal visual inspection.
Please refer closely to the photographs, which form part of the condition description.
Worldwide Shipping
Worldwide shipping is available.
The sculpture will be professionally packaged and fully insured for secure delivery.
Certificate of Sale and Dealer Attribution
The artwork will be supplied with a Certificate of Sale and Dealer Attribution issued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD, recording the artwork's catalogue details, attribution, provenance as stated, and details of the sale. This document accompanies the work as part of its ongoing ownership and provenance record.
Attribution and Research
The historical observations, provenance research, attribution analysis and contextual commentary presented within this catalogue entry represent the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD. They are offered in good faith as informed scholarly assessments based upon the available evidence, comparative research, published reference material and our experience within the international fine art market.
These observations should be understood as professional opinions rather than definitive statements of fact or guarantees of authorship, attribution, date, origin, provenance or historical interpretation. As with all historic works of art, future documentary discoveries, technical examination, conservation analysis or advances in academic research may refine, expand or revise current interpretations.
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Specialising in carefully curated British and European fine art, antiques and historic works of art.
Every artwork is professionally researched and catalogued using comparative scholarship, published reference material and more than two decades of experience within the international fine art market. We are committed to offering collectors works of artistic and historical merit accompanied by transparent provenance research, detailed catalogue descriptions and professional, client-focused service.
Additional photographs and further information are available upon request.
- Period: 19th century
-
- Price: £1,950.00
- €2,279 Euro
- $2,659 US Dollar
- Location: London
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- Dimensions: H: 18.5cm (7.28in)
- W: 9cm (3.54in)
- D: 6cm (2.36in)
