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Female bust

1725–50
Not on view
Since the figure is looking down, she may have been intended for the cresting of a tall armoire or bookcase. Bearing resemblance to the elegant ladies in the paintings of Antoine Watteau (1684-1721), this large mount would not only add sculptural beauty but also a considerable cost and weight to a piece of furniture. Especially when combined with other mounts, the cabinetmaker had to take this additional weight into account when constructing the carcass. The large holes in the bust are for screws or nails to fasten it to the wooden surface. It was only later during the eighteenth century that less conspicuous ways for mounting were devised.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Female bust
  • Date: 1725–50
  • Culture: French
  • Medium: Gilt bronze
  • Dimensions: Overall (confirmed): 16 1/2 x 10 3/4 x 4 3/4 in., 7.5lb. (41.9 x 27.3 x 12.1 cm, 3.402kg)
  • Classification: Metalwork-Gilt Bronze
  • Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1906
  • Object Number: 07.225.510.118
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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