Voltaire Plaster Bust after Houdon by D.Brucciani

previousnext

Share

Tweet

Photos

Tweet

Contact SellerHawthornes Antiques ▼

A well sized plaster bust of the French writer Voltaire. A late Victorian cast from the original sculpture by Houdon.

The sitter Francois-Marie Arouet 1694-1778 was better known by his nom de plume Voltaire was a French historian, writer and philosopher famous for his wit, attacks on the Catholic Church and his advocacy of freedom of speech, religion and the separation of the church and the state.

The sculptor being Jean-Antoine Houdon 1741-1828. He modelled four different busts of Voltaire in addition to his reknowned seated figure at the Comedie Francais. It is from that figure this bust has been cast.

This bust was created by the firm of D. Brucciani, plaster modellers. Founded by Domenico Brucciani in the first half of the 19th century they became experts in their field, working for the British Museum and the South Kensington Museum (now the Victoria & Albert Museum) making mounds and casts of their classical sculptures. After Brucciani's death in 1880 the company continued under the ownership of Joseph Caproni and between 1881-1906 traded as Brucciani & Co as can be seen to the rear of this bust.

Presented in original condition. Evidence of natural wear and ageing, a chip and scratch here and there with the most notable being the loss of the tip of the nose. We feel this all adds to the faded grandeur of what is still a hugely decorative piece of antique art.

Price

£0  
$0.00  
€0.00  

 The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 16/DEC/2025. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.  Price to be added.

 

DimensionsHeight 52cm. Width 53cm. Depth 34cm Category Busts and Figures Period Late Victorian Antiques Material Plaster Origin British Condition In good antique condition, see above report Item code as507a317 / 331 Status Sold

SellerHawthornes Antiques

View all stock from
Hawthornes Antiques

Unit 7 Woodfield Farm
Norton Lane, Earlswood
Birmingham
West Midlands
B94 5LS

Tel : 07774451518

Non UK callers : +44 7774451518

Get directions to Hawthornes Antiques

 

Contact Seller

Enquire directly to Hawthornes Antiques about this item here.

Item Voltaire Plaster Bust after Houdon by D.Brucciani

 

Item Code as507a317 / 331

 

Your Name
Your Email Address

 
 

Your Location
Your Contact Number


Your Enquiry
 

 

For information on how we deal with your data please see our Privacy policy.

Purchase Item

You may also be interested in

Large fine quality marble bust of James Loch MP A Pair Of 19th Century Marble Busts. Terracotta Bust of Madame de Récamier c.1900 Alabaster Bust of a Girl c.1910 Plaster Bust of a Lady c.1918 Ormolu bust of Apollo, ex Versace collection Italian Carrara Marble Bust Of A Young Boy, Signed 19thc marble bust of a young girl signed ‘Houdon’ Alabaster Bust of a Girl c.1900 A Rare Lead Bust Of Sir John Milton. Patinated bronze bust signed Houdon.France 19th C. Great terracotta French sculpture