George Washington Bust 1785 Replica Antique by Jean-Antoine Houdon Bookends.

Description: George Washington Bust Replica Antique from the French Sculptor, Jean-Antoine Houdon Made from Life 1785 History: It took a transatlantic visit and a little flattery to encourage George Washington to sit for Jean-Antoine Houdon, one of the preeminent European sculptors of the 18th century.As Thomas Jefferson described, Jean-Antoine Houdon possessed the “reputation of being the finest statuary in the world.” Well versed in capturing famous faces from the King Louis XV of France to Voltaire, Houdon was “enthusiastically fond of being the executor of this work,”[1] and needed to see the illustrious subject in person in the hopes of “forming the bust from life.”[2]The chance of Washington crossing the Atlantic to see Monsieur Houdon for the express purpose of having a bust made was preposterous. Knowing their esteemed friend’s full calendar and impatience with matters that could be described as of little import, Jefferson and Franklin judiciously employed a little polite puffery to get the job done. Appealing to Washington’s penchant for fastidious record-keeping, they stressed that it was imperative to document his likeness for posterity.After arriving at Mount Vernon on October 2, 1785, Houdon stayed for two weeks. Undeniably swept up into the rhythm of daily life on the estate, such immersion not only allowed the sculptor to study Washington’s facial features, but also to become acquainted with the nuanced shift in the General’s expression and mood, as well as the details of Washington’s choice of attire.Making the Life MaskDesiring the most accurate likeness possible, Houdon wished to create a “life mask” of the General. Washington’s diary entry from October 10, 1785, indicates that he was fascinated by the process, and thoroughly documented the materials and method by which the plaster was prepared that day.In the servant’s hall adjacent to the Mansion, the General had laid down on a wooden table. His hair was pulled back, covered by a towel, while a large sheet protected his clothes. Oil was generously applied to his face, so that the hardened plaster of the mask would not adhere to his skin. Two large quills were placed inside each of the General’s nostrils to ensure he could breathe.[3] Young Eleanor (Nelly) Parke Custis, Washington’s step-granddaughter, looking for her grandpapa, happened upon his white-clad, still form, laid out on the table like a corpse. Immediately distressed, Nelly was rapidly comforted by those present that her grandfather was still indeed alive and well.[4]Houdon's Terracotta Bust of WashingtonAfter Houdon prepared the cast of Washington’s face, the mold was left to dry. The interior of the mask was then coated with oil, and wet plaster poured back into it. The original, negative mold, would be chipped away, leaving Washington’s exact, three-dimensional likeness.From this study, Houdon would create the famed Washington terracotta bust and the nearly twenty other Washington busts attributed to him.[5] Hailed as the most authentic likeness of the General, the bust in the collection of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association is the original. All products are Original Authentic Brand Names, I do not sell knock-offs or imitations** I am in no way associated with this brand, therefore any assumed or implied guarantees, warranty and or return policy, associated with this brand are not covered. If you do have any issues or concerns please feel free to contact me. ** Attention VeRO members: I am not affiliated or endorsed by the companies mentioned in this listing. All trademarks and copyrights are acknowledged, they are only used for informative description of the items offered for sale. All items are authentic as evidenced in photos, legally acquired and owned, and hence covered under First Sale Doctrine. Warning. Everything sold into the state of California contains agents known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects, reproductive harm, or other, as yet unnamed, harm to its citizenry. I TRY MY BEST TO LIST EVERY ITEM AS ACCURATELY AS POSSIBLE, HOWEVER, I AM ONLY HUMAN AND SOMETIMES MISTAKES ARE MADE. I AM A VERY FAIR AND HONEST SELLER AND MY FEEDBACK AND EBAY REPUTATION ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO ME. I ASK THAT IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH YOUR PURCHASE PLEASE COME TO ME PRIOR TO LEAVING ANY TYPE OF FEEDBACK FIRST SO WE CAN WORK IT OUT

Price: 160 USD

Location: Newbury Park, California

End Time: 2024-12-05T21:09:00.000Z

Shipping Cost: 15 USD