Bronze statuette "Jean qui pleure" after J-A. Houdon - Late 19th century

This small bronze bust with brown patina, mounted on a pedestal, embodies the very essence of human sensitivity. Inspired by Voltaire's famous poem "Jean qui rit, Jean qui pleure", this model represents "Jean qui pleure". Indeed, the child's drawn features mirror the thwarted impulses of the soul. Based on the work of sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741-1828), nicknamed "the sculptor of the Enlightenment", this bust illustrates the emotions of childhood with striking realism. Houdon, the undisputed master of portraiture, was able to capture the most fleeting expressions with finesse, and this piece is a remarkable demonstration of this. This bronze, discreet in size but powerful in presence, rests on an elegant square pedestal that underlines its refinement. It will appeal to lovers of neoclassical art, enthusiasts of the Age of Enlightenment or collectors in search of a meaningful piece.

Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741-1828) was a major French sculptor of the 18th century, famous for his highly accurate busts and his sense of realism. Winner of the Prix de Rome, he spent time in Italy before becoming the portraitist of major Enlightenment figures such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Washington and Diderot. His work blends science and art, notably with his Écorché, an anatomical study used in the academy. Nicknamed "the sculptor of the Enlightenment", Houdon embodied the spirit of the century, combining rigor, finesse and humanism.

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Period: Late 19th century
Very good condition
Shipping by quotation in France and abroad
Dimensions :
Width : 5 cm
Height : 11 cm
Depth : 5 cm
Reference : 329V Ter

Ref: 87MRK30C3V