Continental, 19th century
Bust of a Young Woman (possibly Marie Antoinette)
Terracotta, 29 ½ × 17 × 12 in.
This finely modeled terracotta bust captures the youthful beauty and poise associated with portraits of Marie Antoinette (1755–1793). The elaborate hairstyle—crowned with roses, braids, and a ribbon—echoes fashions introduced at the French court during her reign. The drapery, arranged in neoclassical folds across the shoulders, adds a timeless quality that elevated her image beyond mere likeness.
While terracotta busts of Marie Antoinette were first created in the late 18th century by artists such as Louis-Simon Boizot and Jean-Antoine Houdon, the 19th century saw a revival of her image, fueled by romantic nostalgia for the ancien régime. Many such works were produced for collectors who admired the queen’s grace and tragic legacy. This example may be part of that tradition, blending classical refinement with a specifically royal association.
