Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741–1828) and workshop
Bust of Voltaire, Paris, c. 1780
Painted plaster and red wax seal
H 70 x W 46 x D 34 cm
H 27 ½ x W 18 1/8 x D 13 3/8 inch
H 27 ½ x W 18 1/8 x D 13 3/8 inch
This plaster bust of Voltaire is one of the versions of the series of portraits the French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon was able to make of the Enlightenment philosopher right before...
This plaster bust of Voltaire is one of the versions of the series of portraits the French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon was able to make of the Enlightenment philosopher right before his death in 1778. It stands today as a testimony of France’s homage to the man of letters, capturing his intelligent expression, and of Houdon’s skill and popularity across continents.