Research
Of terracotta. Bust of a goddess, most likely Diana, in a highly neoclassical form with tiara and elegant hair arrangement – arched hollow with opening at back and hole at top of head. Resting on a plinth decorated with large fleur-de-lis, on the front a large impression of the arms of the House of Bourbon, on both sides an elaborate bow and arrow design, lower tier of plinth with acanthus detailing. Minor restorations.
Provenance:
Private collection, Dallas, Texas
This interesting, finely modelled terracotta sculpture exemplifies the final stages of the influence of Antonio Canova on French sculpture, whose monumental classicism dominated the French Empire periods and the decades that followed. On the present piece the female figure depicted is most likely Diana, her role as Goddess of the Hunt denoted by the bow and arrow decorative arrangements on the sides of the plinth. The bust is hollow and features a hole in the center of its head and an opening in the back suggesting it may have been intended to hold some kind of lighting attachment.
Full research report available on request.