{"product_id":"exceptional-carrara-marble-bust-of-van-cleve-after-jean-jacques-caffieri-late-19th-century-281-4","title":"Exceptional Carrara Marble Bust of Van Cleve after Jean-Jacques Caffieri, Late 19th Century - 28¼\"","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eAn exceptional Carrara marble portrait bust of the French sculptor Corneille Van Cleve (1646-1732), dating to the late 19th century, copied after the celebrated model by Jean-Jacques Caffieri (1725-1792), whose original is preserved in the Louvre. Remarkable for the sensitivity of its modelling, the face is rendered with striking naturalism, conveying both intelligence and quiet introspection. Cascading curls frame the turned head above deeply undercut, flowing drapery that lends the composition a powerful sense of movement. Raised on a waisted square socle, the marble displays a cool white tone with delicate grey veining and a gently mellowed surface with light age-related wear, minor abrasions, and a few small edge nicks to the base. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eJean-Jacques Caffieri (1725-1792), one of the leading French sculptors of the Louis XV and Louis XVI periods, was celebrated for his remarkably lifelike portrait busts, combining refined observation with the elegance and vitality of the Rococo style. This late 19th-century Carrara marble bust clearly draws inspiration from his celebrated portrait of Corneille Van Cleve in the Louvre, faithfully reproducing the animated curls, turned pose, and sweeping drapery. The facial features, however, subtly differ from the Louvre model, suggesting that the sculptor may have adapted Caffieri's celebrated composition rather than producing an exact replica, perhaps as a tribute to a contemporary individual. The sculptor responsible for this marble bust remains unknown. At some point, a previous owner incised the name \"Caffiri\" into the the socle. This is not an original signature but a later identifying inscription, and notably misspells the sculptor's name, Caffieri. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eWhether placed in a library, entrance hall, or above a mantel, the bust commands attention with its remarkable presence and exceptional craftsmanship.  The luminous Carrara marble and masterful carving give the sculpture exceptional depth and vitality, bringing both grandeur and timeless sophistication to any interior. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition and patina consistent with age.\u003cbr\u003eApprox. overall 28¼\" high x 20½\" wide x 11\" deep \u003cbr\u003eApprox. overall 72cm high x 52cm wide x 28cm deep\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chez Pluie","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54136544493906,"sku":"25039","price":14995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1166\/6698\/files\/DSC02947-Modifier.jpg?v=1785413523","url":"https:\/\/www.chezpluie.com\/products\/exceptional-carrara-marble-bust-of-van-cleve-after-jean-jacques-caffieri-late-19th-century-281-4","provider":"Chez Pluie","version":"1.0","type":"link"}