Parisian Belle Époque Bronze Bust Of Marie Antoinette In The Manner Of Mathurin

Parisian Belle Époque Bronze Bust of Marie Antoinette
In the Manner of Mathurin Moreau, circa 1880
Bring refined French elegance into your collection with this charming Parisian bronze bust of Marie Antoinette, created in the manner of Mathurin Moreau, one of the most admired sculptors of 19th-century France.
A beautifully balanced artwork that embodies 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 capture the revival of 18th-century elegance that defined late 19th-century French art.
Mounted on an exceptional breccia marble base, the sculpture displays a rich palette of warm earthy tones — reds, ochres, and creams — with natural veining that enhances its luxurious appearance and sculptural harmony.
About Marie Antoinette
Marie Antoinette (1755–1793), the last Queen of France before the Revolution, remains one of Europe’s most iconic and captivating figures.
Celebrated for her beauty, elegance, and influence on fashion, she epitomized the refinement of Versailles.
During the Belle Époque, artists rediscovered her as a muse of grace and tragic allure, creating romanticized portraits such as this — embodying the poetic ideal of 18th-century femininity and French nobility.
About Mathurin Moreau (1822–1912)
Mathurin Moreau was among the leading sculptors of 19th-century France, acclaimed for his elegant female figures, allegories, and decorative bronzes.
His work is admired for its:
Gentle, serene expressions
Idealized classical beauty
Flowing drapery and balanced composition
Technical mastery in bronze casting
Parisian foundries frequently produced bronzes “in the manner of Mathurin Moreau,” reflecting his refined aesthetic — a quality perfectly captured in this work.
Provenance
From a private collection, curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.
Collector Context
In late 19th-century Paris, decorative bronzes and finely modelled busts became hallmarks of cultivated taste.
Prominent collectors such as Henry Oppenheim assembled works featuring gilt and patinated bronzes, Belle Époque sculpture, and pieces inspired by the Moreau family.
This bust embodies that same Parisian craftsmanship and romantic revival spirit that defined the era’s collecting culture.
Key Features
Graceful portrait of Marie Antoinette with timeless French charm
Authentic Parisian bronze, circa 1880
Refined modelling in the manner of Mathurin Moreau
Original breccia marble base for beauty and stability
Warm antique patina — elegant and genuine
Dimensions
Height: 18.5 cm
Width: 9 cm
Depth: 6 cm
Base: 6.3 × 6.3 cm
Weight: approximately 1.2 kg
Compact and refined, the piece is ideally sized for display on mantels, desks, cabinets, or gallery shelves.
Condition
Good antique condition with gentle, age-related wear and a rich, naturally aged patina.
The marble base remains stable with a green baize underside.
Minor edge chips to the lower marble edges and corners are consistent with age and historical display.
Ideal For
Collectors of fine 19th-century bronzes
Admirers of Marie Antoinette and French history
Belle Époque and Rococo Revival enthusiasts
Interior designers seeking authentic period pieces
Shipping and Purchase
Worldwide shipping available. Professionally packaged and fully insured for safe global delivery.
Click to secure this elegant example of Belle Époque artistry.
Summary
This Parisian bronze bust of Marie Antoinette captures the enduring allure of 18th-century grace as reimagined during the Belle Époque.
Modelled in the manner of Mathurin Moreau and set upon its original marble base, it stands as a refined expression of French artistry — romantic, poised, and timeless.