Vintage French Cavalier Bust, Bronze-Effect Plaster Sculpture

The surface is worked in black with green and gold highlights to imitate patinated bronze, and from a few feet away it reads exactly like a foundry piece. It is the kind of face that anchors a bookshelf or a mantel in a study.

[d]Dimensions | 10 in. W x 16 in. H x 7 in. D

[d]Surface | Painted finish over plaster, black with green and gold worked up to imitate bronze, the green appears to be a later painted layer over the black

[d]Primary Material | Plaster

[d]Period | Vintage

[d]Date | 20th century, no dating evidence present

[d]Origin | France

[d]Style or Movement | Renaissance Revival, romantic cavalier subject

[d]Also Known As | cavalier bust, musketeer bust

[d]Maker, Mark, or Attribution | Unmarked, no maker identified

[d]Marks | None present, including under the base felt

[d]Construction or Technique | Cast plaster with visible mold seams at the shoulders, turned socle base, green felt to the underside

[condition]

This is a decorative piece and it shows honest handling. The painted surface is largely intact and does the visual work well, with the highlights still crisp across the hat, collar, and cloak. The green coloring across the back and shoulders appears to be a later painted layer worked over the original black finish rather than an original patina. It sits slightly proud of the black surface in places and is uneven where the two meet, visible in the close-up photographs. There is a chip to the plaster at the lower back of the bust where it meets the socle, with the white plaster body showing through, visible in the close-up photograph. Expect minor rubbing and small surface losses to the paint at the high points from age and handling. The turned base shows wear to the gilt edges. The green felt to the underside is worn and slightly frayed at the edge. No cracks through the body. It stands solidly and displays well from all sides.