🌟 Belle Époque Bronze Bust of Marie Antoinette – Parisian Workshop c.1880 – In the Manner of Mathurin Moreau

👑 Description

Bring refined French elegance into your home with this exquisite Parisian bronze bust of Marie Antoinette, created in the manner of Mathurin Moreau—one of the most admired sculptors of 19th-century France.

A beautifully modelled and balanced work, this romantic bust captures the serene grace and poise associated with France’s most iconic queen. Cast in Paris circa 1880, it reflects the renewed fascination with 18th-century refinement that defined the Belle Époque era.

Marie Antoinette is depicted with softly idealized features, an elegant coiffure, and flowing drapery, embodying the timeless sophistication of the Moreau school.
Mounted on a luxurious breccia marble base, the bust presents warm, natural tones of red, ochre, and cream—its veining perfectly complementing the deep, aged bronze patina.

👑 About Marie Antoinette

Marie Antoinette (1755–1793), the last Queen of France before the Revolution, remains a lasting symbol of grace, beauty, and tragedy.
During the Belle Époque, artists across Paris rediscovered her as a muse—an embodiment of lost grandeur and feminine elegance. Sculptors sought to capture her charm through romanticized interpretations such as this, reflecting both nostalgia and admiration for the aesthetics of the ancien régime.

🎨 About Mathurin Moreau (1822–1912)

A leading light of 19th-century French sculpture, Mathurin Moreau was celebrated for his poetic depictions of women, allegories, and mythological figures.
His works are distinguished by:

• Gentle, serene expressions

• Idealized classical beauty

• Flowing drapery and balanced proportions

• Superb technical mastery in bronze casting

Parisian foundries often produced bronzes “in the manner of Mathurin Moreau,” echoing his refined aesthetic and attention to graceful detail—qualities clearly evident in this piece.

🏛️ Provenance

From a private collection, curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD

🕊️ Collector Context

In late 19th-century Paris, decorative bronzes and finely modelled busts became hallmarks of cultured taste.
Collectors such as Henry Oppenheim and William T. Walters sought examples that celebrated both technical artistry and classical inspiration.
This bust perfectly embodies that tradition—a romantic revival sculpture uniting craftsmanship, history, and enduring French charm.

❤️ Why You’ll Love It

✅ Graceful portrait of Marie Antoinette with timeless French allure
✅ Authentic Parisian bronze, circa 1880
✅ Refined modelling in the manner of Mathurin Moreau
✅ Original breccia marble base with rich natural veining
✅ Warm antique bronze patina—genuine, elegant, and atmospheric

📏 Dimensions

• Height: 18.5 cm

• Width: 9 cm

• Depth: 6 cm

• Base: 6.3 × 6.3 cm

• Weight: Approx. 1.2 kg

Compact and refined—ideal for a mantelpiece, writing desk, display cabinet, or gallery shelf. 🖼️

💎 Condition

Good antique condition with a rich, naturally aged patina.
The marble base remains stable and retains its green baize underside.
Minor age-related chips along the lower edges and corners are present, consistent with gentle handling and display.
A beautifully preserved and authentic example of Belle Époque craftsmanship.

🎯 Perfect For

• Collectors of antique bronzes

• Admirers of Marie Antoinette & French history 🇫🇷

• Belle Époque & Rococo revival enthusiasts

• Interior designers seeking refined period accents

• Lovers of fine French decorative arts