Object Description
An Ormolu bust of a 16th Century Prince, by Rancoulet
French, Late 19th Century
Height 72cm, width 42cm, depth 22cm
Made by the skilled and renowned French artist and sculptor Ernest Rancoulet, (French, 1870-1915), this excellent gilt-bronze bust was made in the late nineteenth century, in fine neoclassical style. Rancoulet was best known for mythological scenes and figures, and depictions of athletes. He was also known for depictions of members of high society, often aristocratic women, exhibiting for a number of years at the Paris Salon, producing many exceptional likenesses, busts, and figurines, such as this.
In this work, the sitter, envisioned as a 16th century Prince or nobleman of sorts, towards out and towards the left. He wears a plumed hat and a high collared cape, with a typical period frilled ruff. His tunic is elaborately decorated with jewellery. A portrait full of character and vitality, this work is an excellent representation of Rancoulet’s work, and of French Neoclassical sculpture and portraiture more broadly.