French Busts

A very nice French 19th century plaster portrait bust by well known French sculptor Louis Desprez (1799-1870) He was very well known for his portrait statues and busts and won awards...

Exquisite and very refined chrysoelephantine sculpture depicting the bust of a child wrapped in a hooded gilded cloak. The work combines carved ivory for the face, which emerges from...

Gaston Leroux (French, 1854-1942). A very fine French 19th century polychromed and patinated bronze sculpture of "Aida" resting on a sphinx, her legs crossed and holding a gilt-bronze tambourine, after the model by Gaston Veuvenot Leroux "Aida, A Femme Au Tambourin Assise Sur Une Tete De Sphinx". Signed: Gaston Leroux, Paris, circa 1890. Measures: Height 29 inches (74 cm). Width 15 inches (38.1 cm). Depth 15 inches (38.1 cm). The opulent and extensively detailed version of Aida was inspired by ethnographic findings of the mid-19th century in ancient Egypt as well as the influences of theatre and costume design. Travelers to the East had often recorded their journeys, either in writing or in pictures, but the movement of Egyptomania was wider-reaching than Egyptology. The immensely popular vogue of Egyptomania is without doubt due to the success of performing arts in recreating this era, in particular, Giuseppe Verdi's Aida. Both the Cairo and Paris premieres created sensations so large that they influenced generations of artists from Alexander Cabanel to Cecil de Mille. In Aida, the ruins of Egypt were brought back to life in full color and scale before the eyes of a generation that would make history as romantics, adventurers and explorers. The Cairo premier of Aida was entirely conceived by one of the foremost Egyptologists of the day, Auguste Mariette, who was assigned to the project by Khedive Ismail Pasha...

A very fine and monumental pair of French 19th century patinated bronze figural torchere sculptures titled "La Nuit" (The Night) attributed to Albert Carrier-Belleuse (French, 1824-1...

JEAN-ANTOINE HOUDON (after) French, 1741-1828 "Bust of Voltaire" Patinated bronze signed to reverse HOUDON Foundry cachet for Susse Freres and engraved "cire purdue" Cast circa la...

Large 19th Century limestone composition bust of Hercules.  A fine and detailed classical bust which has a very weathered patina. Mounted on a 19th Century Cotswold stone mill stone...

Signed Machauld et Eug. Cornu – G. Viot et Cie Fondeurs Bust of a Greek goddess, made entirely of silvered bronze and gilded bronze. The tiara and collar necklace ornating the bust are finely decorated with stylized floral motifs of polychrome champlevé enamel. It rests on a molded base and square plinth made in red griotte marble. The sculptor Eugène Cornu (1827-1899), installed in Paris at N.29 rue Popincourt, after having worked as a designer and then director for the renowned company Tahan, worked closely with the « Compagnie des Marbres Onyx...

PAIR of French (19th Cent) small bronze busts of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette on square black marble base.  

- Art Deco Geo Maxim female figure - Delightful 1930s Art Deco French figure depicting a girl holding a basket of flowers in polychrome. The base is solid highly polished marble. Signed Geo Maxim. The piece is in Excellent condition with No damages at all and has a wonderful patina and just some age related wear to the cold painting. Ideal size for displaying in any Deco collection /setting. Georges...

Large late 18th Century French hand carved ships figurehead. A rare survivor, this figurehead would most likely have come from a Southern Frenc...

Superbly stylish is this 1930's Art Deco bust of a female, standing 32 cm high and made from terracotta this bust makes the perfect statement piece. Free from any damage and showing ...

ALFREDO PINA French, 1883-1966 Bust of a Young Man Lost-wax cast medium-brown patinated bronze over solid verde marble plinth signed in cast "A. Pina" and sealed with cachet "cire...

A finely cast plaster bust depicting Hermès (Mercury), modeled after a 4th-century BC Greek original. The head is crisply detailed—tight curls, subtly parted lips, and a confident d...

Head or bust from the Art Deco period in France. This piece, made of plaster, depicts the head of Diana. Diana is the Roman goddess of the hunt, wild animals, and the moon. This piec...

An important original bronze sculpture of Brother and Sister- Frère et Soeur , by A. Rodin (1840-1917) signed 'A. Rodin' on the right of the base, inscribed with the foundry mark 'Alexis Rudier...

A very large and stunning hand painted French Art Deco necklace and/or camisole display mannequin bust of a chic woman. Her expression is not ...

Pair of Allegorical Bronze Busts: "The Fallen King and the Laughing Revolutionary," After Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, France, Late 19th–Early 20th Century A profoundly expressive and allegorically charged pair of patinated bronze busts, each mounted on veined pink marble plinths...

This pair of 19th century busts are after noted French sculptor Albert Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (1824 - 1887). The pieces are exquisitely detailed and depict the head and torso of a ...

An Incredible and Large Gilt and Patinated Bronze Group of Gloria Victis, a Winged Figure of Victory with a Fallen Warrior. This incredible bronze piece was cast after a model by Maarius-Jean-Antonin Mercié, This model is signed 'F. BARBEDIENNE FONDEUR PARIS' demonstrating that it was cast by Ferdinand Barbedienne's foundry, the best bronzier of the 19th century. The base is further signed 'A. Mercie' and stamped 'Réduction Mécanique' with an inscription of '659'. The figure is mounted on a Belgian noir marble base with various stepped edges. Gloria Victis is one the most well-known and important bronze casts of the 19th Century. The quality of this particular model is absolutely incredible and all the marking indicate that this particular piece is one of the finest produced by the Foundry. A student of Jouffroy and de Falguière at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, Marius-Jean-Antonin Mercié (1845-1916) won the Grand Prix de Rome at 23 years old with his work Thésée vainqueur du Minotaure. In 1872, he sent the plaster model of his work David vainqueur to the Salon, for which he won the first class medal. At the same time, he received La croix de la Légion d'honneur at the Villa Medici. His return to Paris, in 1874, issued in a long and brilliant career with numerous commissions, notably the monuments for Louis-Philippe and Queen Marie-Amélie for the Royal Chapel at Dreux (1886). By the age of 30 Mercié was already very well-known and his Gloria Victis received resounding success when it was exhibited at the Salon, in 1874 (in plaster) and in 1875 (in bronze). This work exalted the heroism and the patriotic sentiments aroused by the disasters of 1870. His predilection for patriotic subjects is shown in many of his works such as Quand même...

1980s French glazed white ceramic bust. Highly realistic white glazed ceramic bust of person with a straight haircut.  

Roman style "Epreuve" molded plaster male bust sculpture. France, 1950s. Dirt spots on some areas. Please see pictures. This bust will ship from France and can be returned to eithe...

This anatomical écorché bust dates from the 1970s and was originally produced as an educational model for art academies, universities, and medical schools. It combines a detailed ren...

A Monumental French 19th Century Patinated and Parcel Gilt Cast-Iron Bust of 'Head from a Statue of Antinous as Dionysus' Wearing a Wreath of Ivy ...

A French 19th century bronze and marble bust of Marianne in full armor. The nicely cast Baroque Revival brown patinated bronze and carved white marble figure of Marianne, the allegorical personification of the French Republic, presented in her militaristic guise, reminiscent of Minerva, wearing a Phrygian helmet and armored breastplate centered by winged male mask and with lion shoulder armor pads, all raised on a conforming black marble base. Circa: 1890-1900. Marianne has been the national personification of the French Republic since the French Revolution, as a personification of liberty, equality, fraternity and reason, as well as a portrayal of the Goddess of Liberty. Marianne is displayed in many places in France and holds a place of honor in town halls and law courts. She is depicted in the Triumph of the Republic, a bronze sculpture overlooking the Place de la Nation in Paris, as well as represented with another Parisian statue on the Place de la République. Her profile stands out on the official government logo of the country, appears on French euro coins and on French postage stamps. She was also featured on the former franc currency and is officially used on most government documents. Marianne is a significant republican symbol; her French monarchist equivalent is often Joan of Arc. As a national icon Marianne represents opposition to monarchy and the championship of freedom and democracy against all forms of oppression. Other national symbols of Republican France include the tricolor flag, the national motto Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité, the national anthem "La Marseillaise", the coat of arms, and the official Great Seal of France. Marianne also wore a Cockade and a red Phrygian cap symbolizing Liberty. Minerva and its pendant bust of Mars evoke the classicizing subjects, bust-length formats, and style that originated in France during the reign of Louis XIV (1643–1715) and that concurrently was popularized across Europe. The busts' simple forms, stiff poses, and solemn facial types are consistent with the late Baroque sculptures that were carved in Flanders during this period. In Flanders, especially in Antwerp and Brussels, sculpture and architectural decoration traditionally was carved using combinations of native black marble (noir belge), mottled red marble (rouge belge), and white marble or alabaster. The use of these stones in colorful counterpoint speaks most strongly to the busts’ Flemish origins. The veneration of ideal heroes and heroines in ancient costume and arms took on extravagant form in the 17th century, with countless variations. Within this imaginative tradition, the identification of the pair as Minerva and Mars cannot be certain. The female bust, for example, could be identified as Bellona, Roman goddess of war, who is depicted in 17th and 18th century French paintings wearing flamboyantly plumed helmets and low-cut cuirasses that expose her breasts. Whatever their identities, the female and male warriors are portrayed as calm rather than bellicose beings. The sovereign pair does...

Antique Polychrome Carved Bust of a Bishop 18th Century Bust of a Bishop is a truly remarkable piece that showcases the exceptional craftsmanship and historical significance of the e...

Antique French Art Nouveau period patinated bronze sculpture of a distinguished female beauty in long dress and prominent feather hat after the original model by Georges van der Stra...

3 beautiful painted plaster advertising figures in excellent original condition. Manufactured for Christian Dior, France 1930-1960.

Dancer by Demétre Chiparus (1886 - 1947) Large chrysoelephantine sculpture in gilt bronze Marble base. Signed "D. H. Chiparus". Measures: 52 cms. alt. total and 17 cms. diam. base...

Gilt bronze and marble sculpture signed Affortunato Gory. Louis XV style. France, circa 1920. Carrara and Breccia marble.

Bronze sculpture signed H. Gauquie, France, late 19th century.

Estate 1950s French Bisque Porcelain Napoleon Bonaparte Bust after Leconte.

Former Mannequin Head Representing The French Actor Fernandel, French Manufacturing circa 1950/1960.

When Dior’s celebrated 'Corolle line', later to be know as the ‘New Look’, debuted in Paris in 1947, it brought back the style of the pre-war years. And his ensembles, like the iconi...

A fine French 19th century terracotta bust of "Madame Récamier (French, 1777-1849)" The coyly gazing downward beauty, holding a veil across her chest r...

19th Century French marble bust of young woman, presented on an ebonised wooden socle plinth. Signed L. Madrassi.  Luca Madrassiwas a French sculptor of Italian origin of the 19th ...

19th century hand carved gold gilt cherub/putti fragment A high-quality hand carved 19th century gold gilt paint over sectioned pine example. This wonderful piece details realistic human features, which suggests it was carved for a special interior section of sorts. Likely to have been part of a larger collective at some point. It would look delightful and highly decorative positioned over a doorway entrance. Size in inches: H 10” x W 15” x D 5” Origin: France Material: Pine Date: 1850 - 1880 Completely solid in structure and form without any breaks. Detail loss across the painted surface as shown. We sell antique...

19th-century French School terracotta bust on a red marble base. Dimensions: 25"H ( Overall ) 19"H x 17"W x 9"D Period: 20th Century Condition: Good condition. Wear consistent wit...

child bust in terracotta bust of a child delicately made in terracotta, piece signed below DUHAMEL 02/06

Egyptian king and queen patinated spelter metal busts after the celebrated French sculptor, Anatole J. Guillot (1865-1911). Female signed J. Guillot 1876.

Antique French Terracotta sculpture signed T. Foris. Well executed French terra cotta sculpture signed T. Foris (1921). This lovely French f...

After the antique, his helmet decorated with centaurs and panthers. In Homer’s Illiad, he is described as a hero of colossal frame who was trained by the...

Bronze bust character head in patinated bronze, after Franz Xaver Messerschmidt, inspired by 18th century models. This bronze bust represents a male head with narrowed eyes, a tense ...

This nice and unusual bust is made of bronze. This is a French work. Circa 1940

Sculpture of the head of the Japanese Dancer Hanako by Auguste Rodin (1840-1917), circa 1930. Gold glazed ceramic version by Jean Mayodon (1893-1967). 11"...

Leda and the swan carved in white marble, Italian, Risorgimento, late 19th century. Stock Number: 33150 Leda and the Swan: A Mythological Tale Immortalised in Marble The mythology ...

A French Antique Carved Marble Bust of Louis XIV, a masterful embodiment of artistry and historical grandeur. Crafted with precision and reverence, this carved marble bust captures t...

Magnificent large bust of Hermes In White Emailled Ceramic Work of Quality from the 1950s/1960s. Very decorative. Perfect condition.

19th Century Santos Head We are proud to offer a rare example of a religious 19th Century hand carved Santos head. With polychrome paint still intact in...

More information coming soon… This large, decorative wooden boiserie element from the late 1800s is quite an interesting item. Based on the size, the fact that it depicts a female ...

Bust of Diana the Huntress French Louis XVI Bronze 19th Century - Artist Houdon Bronze sculpture representing Diana the huntress after Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741-1828). In Roman myth...

An Imposing fine and large French Art-Deco Spelter (Petit-bronze) figure of a standing semi-nude orientalist maiden in a brown patina, attributed to Louis Hottot (French, 1834-1905). The smiling young topless beauty, posing with her arms outstretched, her hair wrapped with a headscarf centred with a green art-glass bead and a scantily scarf tied around her waist, standing barefoot among tropical shrubs and flowers and raised on a circular mottled green marble base. A brass plaque reads "TYPHA", Paris, circa 1900. Louis Hottot was a French sculpture who mainly specialized in Orientalist female figures and other Orientalist subjects and themes, most of his works were produced in spelter. He exhibited his works at the Paris Salon from 1885 to 1898. Hottot is best known for his Orientalist-themed sculptures, including Almie du Caire, circa 1887 and Fille d'Egypte, circa: 1885. He was a member of the Socie´te´ des Artistes Franc¸ais. Literature: Les Bronzes du XIXe Siecle, P. Kjellberg, Les Editions de L'amateur, Paris. S. Richemond, Les Orientalistes...

Bronze bust of Jean Mermoz, signed by French sculptor Charles Ruchot (1880-1925) from the Art Deco period. Jean Mermoz was a famous French aviator who crossed the Atlantic for the fi...

A life-size French 19th-20th century carved marble sculpture of "Venus and Cupid" In the manner of Felix Maurice Charpentier (French, 1858-1924). The tall and slender nude figure of ...

A large pair of Belle Epoque style French Majolica Porcelain Busts of Royals. Each is beautifully hand-painted with extraordinary care and skillful artwork. Both royals are wearing r...

A good quality French 19th patinated terracotta bust of a classical lady, mounted on a Rouge marble sockel.

Patinated bronze sculpture of Marianne, early 20th century. Patinated bronze sculpture of Marianne, early 20th century. Dimensions : H: 23cm, W: 13cm, D: 9cm Contact us before orde...

A French Napoléon III period walnut carved putto sculpture from the mid 19th century, with grapes, flowers and the double flute. Created in France during the third quarter of the 19t...

This terracotta bust is a production of a XXth-century family portrait. The sculpture displays all the defining features of Napoleon III naturalism: realistic facial modelling, expre...

Janotte, an Art Nouveau, patinated bronze bust of a young lady with head scarf. Dark brown patination. Set on an integral plinth. Signed Villanis under shoulder. Signed Villanis u...

Bronze Character Head bust in neoclassical style, inspired by the late eighteenth century series by Franz Xaver Messerschmidt. This bronze bust depicts a male head with contracted fe...