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Learn MorePlaster Bust of George Washington by Jean-Antoine Houdon
- This rare plaster bust of George Washington is almost certainly the work of Jean-Antoine Houdon
- Houdon was the Enlightenment’s most celebrated portrait sculptor
- The work is based on the life mask taken directly from Washington at Mount Vernon
- The bust is entirely unique and believed to be one of the few surviving plaster casts modeled by the master himself
- Get complete item description here
$98,500
Item No.
32-0387
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Description
Plaster Bust of George Washington
Attributed to Jean-Antoine Houdon
Circa 1785
This rare and exquisitely rendered plaster bust of George Washington is almost certainly the work of Jean-Antoine Houdon, the Enlightenment’s most celebrated portrait sculptor. While he produced bronze versions, it was the plaster casts that served as the original works, more immediate, more lifelike and truer to the sitter. Houdon created four different models of Washington. Although a few plaster casts of the. . .
Attributed to Jean-Antoine Houdon
Circa 1785
This rare and exquisitely rendered plaster bust of George Washington is almost certainly the work of Jean-Antoine Houdon, the Enlightenment’s most celebrated portrait sculptor. While he produced bronze versions, it was the plaster casts that served as the original works, more immediate, more lifelike and truer to the sitter. Houdon created four different models of Washington. Although a few plaster casts of the. . .
Read More
Plaster Bust of George Washington
Attributed to Jean-Antoine Houdon
Circa 1785
This rare and exquisitely rendered plaster bust of George Washington is almost certainly the work of Jean-Antoine Houdon, the Enlightenment’s most celebrated portrait sculptor. While he produced bronze versions, it was the plaster casts that served as the original works, more immediate, more lifelike and truer to the sitter. Houdon created four different models of Washington. Although a few plaster casts of the other three survive, this is the only known example of this particular model.
Entirely unique and formed by Houdon’s own hand, this piece is exceptionally rare and historically significant. Based on the life mask taken directly from Washington at Mount Vernon, the bust reflects Houdon’s intimate study of his subject and is believed to be one of the few surviving plaster casts modeled by the artist himself.
Widely regarded as the most accurate likeness of Washington ever created, Houdon’s portrayal conveys both the strength and serenity of the first president. His restrained neoclassical style allows realism to emerge without embellishment, capturing Washington with striking clarity and dignity.
Jean-Antoine Houdon (French, 1741–1828) was the foremost portrait sculptor of his era, celebrated for his busts of Voltaire, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and Napoleon. In 1784, the Virginia legislature, at the urging of Jefferson and Franklin, commissioned Houdon to sculpt a full-length statue of George Washington. Traveling to Mount Vernon in 1785, Houdon took precise measurements, including a life mask and clay study from the living subject. He later called the commission “the most important work of his career.” The resulting marble statue now stands in the Virginia State Capitol, with its related busts held by the Louvre, the New York Historical Society and other major institutions.
Signed "Houdon"
On base: 31 3/4" high x 16 1/2" wide x 13 1/2" deep
Attributed to Jean-Antoine Houdon
Circa 1785
This rare and exquisitely rendered plaster bust of George Washington is almost certainly the work of Jean-Antoine Houdon, the Enlightenment’s most celebrated portrait sculptor. While he produced bronze versions, it was the plaster casts that served as the original works, more immediate, more lifelike and truer to the sitter. Houdon created four different models of Washington. Although a few plaster casts of the other three survive, this is the only known example of this particular model.
Entirely unique and formed by Houdon’s own hand, this piece is exceptionally rare and historically significant. Based on the life mask taken directly from Washington at Mount Vernon, the bust reflects Houdon’s intimate study of his subject and is believed to be one of the few surviving plaster casts modeled by the artist himself.
Widely regarded as the most accurate likeness of Washington ever created, Houdon’s portrayal conveys both the strength and serenity of the first president. His restrained neoclassical style allows realism to emerge without embellishment, capturing Washington with striking clarity and dignity.
Jean-Antoine Houdon (French, 1741–1828) was the foremost portrait sculptor of his era, celebrated for his busts of Voltaire, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and Napoleon. In 1784, the Virginia legislature, at the urging of Jefferson and Franklin, commissioned Houdon to sculpt a full-length statue of George Washington. Traveling to Mount Vernon in 1785, Houdon took precise measurements, including a life mask and clay study from the living subject. He later called the commission “the most important work of his career.” The resulting marble statue now stands in the Virginia State Capitol, with its related busts held by the Louvre, the New York Historical Society and other major institutions.
Signed "Houdon"
On base: 31 3/4" high x 16 1/2" wide x 13 1/2" deep
Read Less
Specifications
| Maker: | Houdon, Jean-Antoine |
| Period: | 1700-1815 |
| Origin: | America |
| Type: | Sculpture |
| Style: | Neoclassicism |
| Depth: | 9.25 in. (23.5 cm) |
| Width: | 11.0 in. (27.94 cm) |
| Height: | 20.5 in. (52.07 cm) |
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Buy with Confidence
At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.
Learn More
