Description:

George Washington
[Melrose, MA], Early 20th century
George Washington Antique Plaster Bust After Houdon, Early 20th C. Boston Sculpture Company, 29.5" High!
Sculpture
An antique plaster portrait bust of 1st U.S. President George Washington (1732-1799), after an original by French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741-1828), and reproduced by the Boston Sculpture Company (Melrose, Massachusetts) probably sometime during the early 20th century. Washington is depicted à l'ancienne, with a period-appropriate powdered queue, but mantled in Roman style drapery. The head-and-shoulders bust is mounted on an integral turned socle, with an overall gray surface wash. A diamond-shaped maker's mark reading "Boston / Sculpture Company / Makers" is discretely located on the reverse, at the center of the plinth. Expected light wear, with scattered surface flecks, chips, and scuffs. Isolated minor wear to base, shoulders, hair, and nose. Else very good to near fine, and very commanding! The bust measures approximately 29.5" high by 20.5" at the widest point by 13" deep. Approximately 15 lbs. **THIS LOT WILL REQUIRE THIRD-PARTY SHIPPING!***

Jean-Antoine Houdon's classical depiction of George Washington in ancient Roman dress is among the best known busts of the first president. In 1784, Thomas Jefferson nominated Houdon to sculpt a life size standing statue of George Washington to be displayed at the Virginia State Capitol. Houdon and several assistants traveled to Mount Vernon in 1785 to take Washington's body measurements and life casts, and Houdon sculpted the 18-ton block of Carrara marble until around 1791-1792. The completed statue was put on display at the Richmond Rotunda in May 1796. A smaller likeness was made by Houdon while still in the United States and presented to Washington. Other famous historical personages sculpted by Jean-Antoine Houdon included world leaders (Louis XVI, Napoleon Bonaparte, Catherine II); Enlightenment philosophes (Rousseau, Voltaire, Diderot); and heroes of the American Revolution (Franklin, Jefferson, Marquis de Lafayette.)

The Boston Sculpture Company was a high-profile decorative arts purveyor, which, at its peak in the early 20th century, promoted itself as one of "the largest importers and reproducers of plastic art." The firm mass-produced bas reliefs, busts, and statuettes modeled after original ancient, medieval, and modern artistic masterpieces. Attractive and affordable, these reproductions were displayed in homes, schools, and museums. THIRD PARTY SHIPPING REQUIRED

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.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

    Dimensions:
  • approximately 29.5" high by 20.5" at the widest point by 13" deep
  • Artist Name:
  • George Washington
  • Medium:
  • Sculpture

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March 12, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000