Parisian Belle Époque Bronze Bust of Marie Antoinette In the Manner of Mathurin Moreau, c.1880
Bring refined French elegance into your home with this exquisite Parisian bronze bust of Marie Antoinette, created in the manner of Mathurin Moreau, one of the most admired sculptors of 19th-century France.
A beautifully balanced artwork with authentic Belle Époque character and timeless sophistication.
Description
This romantic cast bronze bust, originating from Paris circa 1880, portrays Marie Antoinette with the soft, idealized features characteristic of the Moreau school.
Her flowing coiffure, serene expression, and graceful drapery embody the revival of 18th-century elegance that defined late 19th-century French art.
Mounted on an exceptional breccia marble base, the sculpture displays a rich palette of warm earthy tones—reds, ochres, and creams—enhanced by natural veining that adds to its luxurious appearance and sculptural presence.
About Marie Antoinette
Marie
...Antoinette (1755–1793), the last Queen of France before the Revolution, remains one of Europe’s most iconic and enchanting figures.
Celebrated for her beauty, elegance, and influence on fashion, she epitomized Versailles sophistication.
During the Belle Époque, artists rediscovered her as a muse of grace and tragedy. Sculptors and designers across Paris created romanticized portraits like this one, embodying the poetic ideal of 18th-century femininity.
About Mathurin Moreau (1822–1912)
One of the great sculptors of 19th-century France, Mathurin Moreau was celebrated for his elegant female figures, allegories, and decorative bronzes.
His work is admired for:
Gentle, serene expressions
Idealized classical beauty
Flowing drapery and balanced proportions
Technical mastery in bronze casting
Parisian foundries frequently produced bronzes in the manner of Mathurin Moreau, reflecting his refined aesthetic—perfectly captured in this piece.
Provenance
From a private collection, curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.
Collector Context
In late 19th-century Paris, collecting decorative bronzes and finely modeled busts became a hallmark of sophisticated taste.
Notable collectors such as Henry Oppenheim acquired works featuring:
Parisian gilt and patinated bronzes
Belle Époque decorative sculptures
Pieces inspired by the Moreau family
This bust embodies the same Parisian craftsmanship and romantic revival spirit that captivated collectors of the era.
Why You’ll Love It
Graceful portrait of Marie Antoinette with timeless French charm
Authentic Parisian bronze, c.1880
Refined modeling in the manner of Mathurin Moreau
Original breccia marble base for beauty and stability
Warm antique bronze patina — elegant and genuine
Dimensions
Height: 18.5 cm
Width: 9 cm
Depth: 6 cm
Base: 6.3 × 6.3 cm
Weight: approx. 1.2 kg
Elegant and compact — ideal for mantels, desks, cabinets, or gallery shelves.
Condition
Good antique condition with gentle, age-related wear and a beautifully aged patina.
The marble base is stable, with green baize underside.
Several small edge chips are visible on the lower edges and corners, consistent with age and display.
Ideal For
Antique collectors
Admirers of Marie Antoinette and French history
Belle Époque and Rococo revival enthusiasts
Interior designers
Collectors of fine decorative bronzes
Worldwide Shipping
Professionally packaged and fully insured for safe global delivery.
Click “Buy It Now” to make it yours before it’s gone.
Add this historical sculptural masterpiece to your collection today.
Explore our gallery: Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD for more hand-picked treasures.
Questions? We’re always happy to help—please message us with any enquiries about this piece.
Delivery shipping information
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD ship worldwide, using fully insured and online tracked delivery services like DHL, DPD, Parcelforce or Fedex also the British Shop. We offer Free national Delivery to England mainland, Wales mainland & Scottish lowland mainland areas only.
We offer Free UK mainland delivery only, international shipping to USA, Canada, Europe. All other countries rest of the world please get in touch for a shipping quote.
Great care and much time are taken over the safe transportation of the Fine Art & Antique pieces which we sell.
We bespoke pack & wrap extremely carefully, so you can rest assured that your piece will arrive with you in great as described condition.
For larger paintings, antique furniture pieces, and fragile items which can not be sent via the normal postal services, we use professional door-to-door delivery providers, who will always strive to deliver your piece promptly, within approximate. 2-5 working days for the United Kingdom mainland & International delivery between 5-14 working days.
Returns Policy
We offer a 14-day money-back refund policy
(excluding the cost of Postage & Packaging costs & any duties, taxes customs charges paid on buyers behalf or buy the buyer direct ).
CONTACT US:
Please feel free to call us.
We have a friendly & professional team on hand who are here to help you with any queries you may have.
Tel: 07494763382
Outside the UK:
Phone or text: 0044 7494763382
PAYMENT:
Our primary payment method is by (BACS) & International bank wire transfer, we can email you an invoice with our banking details upon request. We no longer accept any Online Card or in person card payments due to payment providers charging us and not returning the processing transaction fee even if an order is fraudulent, cancelled or returned. All Item(s) will need to be settled by bank transfer only. We will email you a proforma invoice with our bank details.
Customs Payment & Brexit
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs clearance charges and any other customs charges which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.
Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.
If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.
Internal Reference: 748
Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA1179485
Dateline of this antique is 19th Century
Height is 18.5cm (7.3inches)Width is 9cm (3.5inches)Depth is 6.3cm (2.5inches)
Thank you.
Your comment has been sent to Sellingantiques.