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Sevres (Atrib.) Bust of Louis XVI Biscuit, Cobalt & Ormolu, Late 19th Century
$2,950
£2,240.60
€2,577.10
CA$4,121.73
A$4,596.19
CHF 2,398.10
MX$56,397.03
NOK 30,523.96
SEK 28,920.79
DKK 19,233.83
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About the Item
Attributed to Sèvres, Biscuit Porcelain Bust of Louis XVI on Cobalt and Ormolu Base, Late 19th Century
An exquisite late 19th-century biscuit porcelain bust of King Louis XVI of France (1754–1793), attributed to the Sèvres manufactory. The bust is finely modeled in unglazed white porcelain (biscuit de Sèvres), capturing the monarch in court attire and mounted on a neoclassical columnar base with cobalt blue enamel and richly chased gilt-bronze (ormolu) mounts. The piece stands 12" high, with a 7" width and 5" depth; the base alone measures 4" square.
Subject and Attire:
This bust presents Louis XVI in the height of his reign, likely modeled on court portraiture from the 1770s–1780s, prior to the French Revolution. His fashion includes
A lace cravat or jabot with a high collar—typical of French aristocratic fashion in the Ancien Régime.
The Order of the Holy Spirit (Ordre du Saint-Esprit), France’s highest chivalric order at the time, was represented by the large star-shaped badge on the left breast with radiating arms and fleur-de-lys details.
The Order of Saint Louis, identifiable as the cross-shaped badge beneath the sash, signifies a royal military order founded by Louis XIV.
An elaborately embroidered coat with frogged epaulettes, signifying military rank, trimmed with rosettes and embroidery in relief.
A sash worn diagonally across the chest, possibly representing the Grand Cross of a French order.
Period Context:
The features—round cheeks, powdered wig with queue and bow, and the presence of both religious and military orders—place this representation in the later years of Louis XVI’s reign, around 1780–1790, before the abolition of the monarchy. His expression is serene yet idealized, consistent with royal portraiture of the ancien régime, designed to convey benevolence and divine right.
Base:
The bust is mounted on a cylindrical plinth with a cobalt blue ground and vertical gilt accents, resting on a square ormolu base with laurel wreath garland and neoclassical motifs, including scallop-shell and acanthus details. The gilded bronze mounts are consistent with luxury decorative art of the Napoleon III period (circa 1860–1880), when revival styles flourished in France.
Markings:
The number "20" is lightly inscribed on the underside of the bust—typical of factory or model numbers used in Sèvres and related ateliers. While unmarked, the quality, finish, and proportions are consistent with Sèvres production and likely reflect a commissioned or export model made during the Belle Époque.
Condition:
Excellent condition. Minor rubbing to gilding, some wear to the underside of the base, and traces of historical grime in crevices consistent with age. No chips, repairs, or losses.
This portrait bust is a refined example of historicist sculpture produced during the Second Empire or Third Republic, echoing Enlightenment values and royalist nostalgia. It would make a significant addition to a collection of French decorative arts, neoclassical sculpture, or royal portraiture.
- Attributed to:Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 12 in (30.48 cm)Width: 7 in (17.78 cm)Depth: 5 in (12.7 cm)
- Style:Louis XVI (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1880s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:West Palm Beach, FL
- Reference Number:Seller: T34121stDibs: LU2592345876582
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