Parisian Bronze Bust of Marie Antoinette In the Manner of Mathurin Moreau c1880
Description


Parisian Belle Époque Bronze Bust of Marie Antoinette In the Manner of Mathurin Moreau, c.1880

Bring refined French elegance into your home 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 with 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 embody the revival of 18th-century elegance that defined late 19th-century French art.
Mounted on an exceptional breccia marble base, the sculpture features a rich palette of warm earthy tones—reds, ochres, and creams—complemented by natural veining that enhances its luxurious appearance and sculptural presence.

About Marie Antoinette
Marie Antoinette (1755–1793), the last Queen of France before the Revolution, remains one of Europe’s most iconic and enchanting figures.
Celebrated for her beauty, elegance, and influence on fashion, she epitomized Versailles sophistication.
During the Belle Époque, artists rediscovered her as a muse of grace and tragedy. Sculptors and designers across Paris created romanticized portraits like this one — embodying the poetic ideal of 18th-century femininity.

About Mathurin Moreau (1822–1912)
One of the great sculptors of 19th-century France, Mathurin Moreau was celebrated for his elegant female figures, allegories, and decorative bronzes.
His work is admired for:
Gentle, serene expressions
Idealized classical beauty
Flowing drapery and balanced proportions
Technical mastery in bronze casting
Parisian foundries frequently produced bronzes “in the manner of Mathurin Moreau,” reflecting his refined aesthetic — perfectly captured in this piece.

Provenance
From a private collection, curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.

Collector Context
In late 19th-century Paris, collecting decorative bronzes and finely modeled busts became a hallmark of sophisticated taste.
Notable collectors such as Henry Oppenheim acquired works featuring:
Parisian gilt and patinated bronzes
Belle Époque decorative sculptures
Pieces inspired by the Moreau family
This bust embodies that same Parisian craftsmanship and romantic revival spirit that captivated collectors of the era.

Why You’ll Love It
Graceful portrait of Marie Antoinette with timeless French charm
Authentic Parisian bronze, c.1880
Refined modeling in the manner of Mathurin Moreau
Original breccia marble base for beauty and stability
Warm antique bronze patina — elegant and genuine

Dimensions
Height: 18.5 cm
Width: 9 cm
Depth: 6 cm
Base: 6.3 × 6.3 cm
Weight: approx. 1.2 kg
Elegant and compact — ideal for mantels, desks, cabinets, or gallery shelves. ️

Condition
Good antique condition with gentle, age-related wear and a beautifully aged patina.
The marble base is stable, with green baize underside.
Several small edge chips are visible on the lower edges and corners, consistent with age and display.

Ideal For
Antique collectors
Admirers of Marie Antoinette & French history
Belle Époque & Rococo revival enthusiasts
Interior designers
Collectors of fine decorative bronzes



Reserve: $4,104.00

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