This Antique French Ormolu Bronze And Marble bust of Louise Brogniart After Jean Antoine Houdon And Signed Thiebaut Fréres is an incredible example of 19th century french decor! This piece is made of bronze and has an ormolu finish also known as Mercury Gilding. This process consisted of taking 3 parts mercury and one part gold leaf, melting the materials down and painting them onto the item with a metal bristle brush. Right after the piece would be placed on hot coals and the mercury would evaporate leaving behind a thin layer of actual gold! The bust is sitting on a marble bust and can be taken off of the bust however it does sit nicely as the bottom of the bust has a pin that sits in the marble base. This piece is also signed “Houdon” on the back of the shoulder and underneath is signed “Thiebaut Fréres Fumiére & Cie Sue Paris” As you can see in the photos provided. Thiebaut Freres made bronzes in the late 19th century until his death in 1899 and his foundry made bronzes until around 1910-1920. This piece is after Houdon as the original is in the Louvre Museum in Paris and is also made out of terracotta not bronze however this is a fine late 19th century example! The piece is in good antique condition with some minor finish loss to the ormolu as well as light surface scratches to the base and bronze as well as one deeper scratch as to be expected with an item of this age.
If you have any other questions please do not hesitate to reach out and ask!

Dimensions- H: 6 1/2in W: 2 1/4in D: 2in

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