1871851. BYST, 19th century, depicting Voltaire (1696-1778) after Jean-Antoine Houdon.
terracotta, height 59 cm Voltaire was a very influential philosopher, champion of tolerance and social justice, playwright, poet and historian and a key figure in the French Enlightenment. This bust is a 19th century copy of a highly reproduced and famous sculpture by him. It is derived from "Voltaire sitting", a full-length statue of Houdon, the leading portrait sculptor in France in the 18th century. Houdon's statue was commissioned by Voltaire's niece, Mme Denis, and presented to the Comédie Française (Paris State Theater). A second version was made by Houdon for Catherine the Great of Russia.
Voltaire was 83 years old when he sat for Houdon, shortly after his triumphant return to Paris on February 10, 1778, after several years in self-imposed exile at his country estate near Geneva. During his lifetime, there was already debate about how to portray Voltaire. Some busts are in "antique" style, almost bald; others in contemporary attire and wig. This portrait is a combination of the two 'looks'. It clearly captures Voltaire's great intellect but also humor. Show full text
Condition
Wear, occasional Chips, rejections and repairs.
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terracotta, height 59 cm Voltaire was a very influential philosopher, champion of tolerance and social justice, playwright, poet and historian and a key figure in the French Enlightenment. This bust is a 19th century copy of a highly reproduced and famous sculpture by him. It is derived from "Voltaire sitting", a full-length statue of Houdon, the leading portrait sculptor in France in the 18th century. Houdon's statue was commissioned by Voltaire's niece, Mme Denis, and presented to the Comédie Française (Paris State Theater). A second version was made by Houdon for Catherine the Great of Russia.
Voltaire was 83 years old when he sat for Houdon, shortly after his triumphant return to Paris on February 10, 1778, after several years in self-imposed exile at his country estate near Geneva. During his lifetime, there was already debate about how to portray Voltaire. Some busts are in "antique" style, almost bald; others in contemporary attire and wig. This portrait is a combination of the two 'looks'. It clearly captures Voltaire's great intellect but also humor. Show full text
Condition
Wear, occasional Chips, rejections and repairs.
Sale price
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
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