Description:

George Washington 19th C. Bronze Bust After Houdon, MacDonald By Henry-Bonnard Bronze Co.

A bronze bust of 1st U.S. President George Washington (1732-1799) made by the Henry-Bonnard Bronze Company of New York, ca. 1899, based on a mathematical reduction by James W. MacDonald (1824-1908) of the original bust sculpture of Washington by Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741-1828) in 1785. The back panel underneath Washington's hair queue is engraved: "This is a mathematical reduction of the original life mask bust of Washington modeled at Mount Vernon in 1785 by Jean Antoine Houdon. Sworn to by Wilson MacDonald Sculp. Copyright 1899. The Henry-Bonnard Bronze Co. Founders NY 1899." MacDonald's name appears as a facsimile signature. An H-shaped mark and "S9" appear on the interior of the bronze casting. Expected surface wear, including a small area of corrosion behind Washington's right lower ear lobe, else near fine, and with a rich umber patina. The bust measures approximately 10" high; 6.5" from shoulder to shoulder; and 5.25" in depth. It weighs 6.93 lbs.

Thomas Jefferson nominated Jean-Antoine Houdon to sculpt a life-size standing statue of George Washington to be displayed at the Virginia State Capitol in 1784. Houdon and several assistants traveled to Mount Vernon in October 1785 to take Washington's body measurements and life casts, including his face and bust. Prior to his departure for France, in mid-October 1785, Houdon presented his original terra cotta bust of Washington to the subject, with his compliments; Washington displayed the Houdon bust in his study. Martha Washington's granddaughter Nelly Custis praised the Houdon bust as one of the most accurate and authentic representations of Washington ever created.

James Wilson A. MacDonald, an Ohio sculptor nicknamed "America's oldest sculptor," made authorized copies of Houdon's Washington bust in the 1890s. The Henry-Bonnard Bronze Company was established by two French entrepreneurs in 1872. The company, a major rival of the Roman Bronze Works that eventually supplanted them, flourished between 1885-1900. The Henry-Bonnard Bronze Company specialized in small-scale bronze sculptures like this Washington, and municipal commissions for monumental doors and other architectural features.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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