An important and elegant terracotta bust of a young woman, portrayed in a refined three‑quarter view and evoking the grace and poise of the Louis XVI period. Her serene expression, softly modelled features, and delicately arranged hair are crowned by a star‑decorated diadem, a motif frequently associated with neoclassical allegories of virtue, beauty, or celestial inspiration.
The bust is mounted on a 14 cm pedestal of Aleppo breccia marble, a richly patterned stone prized in the 18th and 19th centuries for its decorative appeal. The warm terracotta surface, combined with the vivid veining of the marble, creates a harmonious and distinguished presentation.
Works of this type were highly fashionable in the 19th century, when sculptors and ateliers across France and Italy revived the neoclassical aesthetic, drawing inspiration from the portraits of Houdon, Pajou, and Boizot. Terracotta busts of elegant women—often allegorical, sometimes anonymous—were produced for refined interiors and private collections, valued for their expressive modelling and intimate scale.
This example is in good condition, showing the natural signs of age expected in antique terracotta while preserving its sculptural clarity and decorative presence.
Dimensions
Height: 70 cm (including pedestal)
Pedestal height: 14 cm
A distinguished decorative piece that brings neoclassical charm and 19th‑century craftsmanship to any interior, whether classic or contemporary.
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